Introduction to Varicose Veins and Diabetes - the Connection and Effective Management

Varicose veins and diabetes are common health conditions. Having both requires more attention paid to each in your health care management. Uncontrolled diabetes can worsen varicose veins.

Dr. Manish Taneja of the Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic in Singapore specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of vascular conditions including varicose veins and is experienced in the management of diabetes and how it can affect the vascular system.

What Are Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins are swollen often twisted, blue or purple veins close to the skin, most commonly in the legs. They worsen with age due to the veins weakening which causes blood pooling.

Women are more apt to get varicose veins than men, because of hormonal fluctuations including pregnancy, and overweight individuals of either sex are more likely to experience varicose veins. There is also a genetic factor with varicose veins tending to occur in some families.

Symptoms may include:

• Aching and swelling in the ankles and feet
• A heavy feeling in the legs
• Itching around the varicosities
• Skin discoloration
• Ulcerations and bleeding

Understanding Diabetes and Its Impact on Vascular Health

The chronic condition of diabetes occurs when your body has trouble maintaining the amount of insulin needed to regulate your glucose or blood sugar level. When glucose levels are too high or too low, it can affect many organs and your vascular system including the blood vessels.

Both type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune disease in which the body destroys insulin-producing cells preventing little or no insulin production, and type 2 diabetes, when the cells resist insulin production, will weaken the vein walls and valves. This increases the risk of varicose veins and potentially worsens those you may already have. Working with a specialist in vascular health and diabetes can help you manage both.

Additionally, diabetes can cause peripheral artery disease (PAD) and nerve damage, and results in poor healing of wounds, all of which can add to poor circulation.

The Link Between Varicose Veins and Diabetes

While there are links between diabetes and varicose veins, diabetes does not cause varicose veins. Still, uncontrolled glucose can make them worse while adding to the risk of developing new ones. They share common risk factors including genetics, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle.

High glucose levels weaken vein walls making them more susceptible to varicosities. Additionally, diabetes can hamper blood flow by narrowing both veins. High glucose levels also thicken the blood making it more difficult to flow.

Managing Varicose Veins in People with Diabetes

Diabetes is a lifelong condition. Diabetes can be controlled through weight loss, exercise, and eating a healthy diet, often aided by insulin and/or medication.

Managing diabetes can also aid in the management of varicose veins. Additional varicose vein management includes:

• Avoiding prolonged periods of standing or sitting
• Elevating your legs higher than your heart when at rest
• Wearing compression stockings to reduce swelling and improve circulation
• Keeping hydrated which helps to thin blood
• Quit smoking
• Limit alcohol use

There are treatment options for varicose veins including sclerotherapy, ClosureFast, laser treatments, and surgery. It is important to discuss these options with an experienced varicose veins specialist before undergoing such treatment.

The Role of Professional Care in Managing Both Conditions

When dealing with both health conditions, you should seek the care of a comprehensive varicose veins doctor. As such you will receive routine checkups along with specialized care tailored to your needs in dealing with varicose veins and diabetes through diagnostic testing, routine monitoring, and development of your treatment plan.

When to Seek Medical Help for Varicose Veins and Diabetes

If you notice any warning signs of varicose veins or an increase in severity of them, you should contact your vascular specialist immediately. Such signs could include sudden pain, changes in skin color, enlargement of one or more veins, leg ulcers, or any sign of infection.

Contact the Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic for Care of Your Varicose Veins

Dr. Manish Taneja has been in the field of vascular diseases and complications since 1995. If you have diabetes and are experiencing symptoms of varicose veins, please don't wait. We encourage you to contact our specialized varicose veins clinic today in Singapore to schedule a consultation with him. He is here to help you manage both conditions and improve your vascular health.

Varicose Veins Resources

Explore our varicose veins and spider veins resources for patients. Gain insight into the diagnosis and treatment of varicose and spider veins conditions, their underlying causes, symptoms, and complications. Connect with your vascular health.

Varicose, Spider Veins, or DVT: Blue or Purple Veins

Keep Varicose Veins and Spider Veins at Bay

If your legs feel sore persistently, achy when standing long periods, or maybe you notice blue or purple veins even bulging in the area, chances are these symptoms of varicose veins and spider veins could lead to other serious venous diseases such as Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI), or Leg Swelling due to increased pressure forming larger blood clots over time. Varicose veins are fully treatable through varicose veins treatments, vascular surgeries, or minimally invasive procedures and treatments, such as radiofrequency ablation, which offers minimal downtime and quick recovery preventing further complications. Long term effects of untreated varicose veins can hinder your daily life and impact your vascular health. Understanding symptoms and preventing future vein problems starts with early assessment. 

The Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic, a specialized varicose veins clinic in Singapore, is here to diagnose and treat varicose veins smoothening patients’ experience to find relief and comfort. As a vascular and interventional radiology specialist based in Singapore, Dr. Manish Taneja looks after a spectrum of venous diseases, peripheral vascular malformations, and peripheral arterial disease. Dr. Manish Taneja also has extensive experience in performing all vascular interventions, non-vascular interventions and interventional oncology procedures.

Other Health Conditions

Venous Diseases (Varicose Veins)

The Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic is your “go-to” facility for various conditions and treatments. To arrange an appointment with Dr. Manish Taneja, our varicose veins specialist, contact us. You can also call us at (+65) 6904 8084 for a consultation.