Venous Insufficiency in Diabetics: Special Considerations

Medially reviewed by Luis Barajas, MD, RPVI, DABVLM, on November 26, 2024

Living with diabetes comes with a range of health challenges, and one common but often overlooked complication is venous insufficiency. Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), a type of vein disease, occurs when the veins in the legs struggle to return blood to the heart effectively. CVI can lead to leg pain, swelling, varicose veins, and other symptoms that are especially problematic for people with diabetes. Understanding how venous insufficiency impacts people with diabetes (and knowing the best ways to manage it!) is essential for maintaining leg health and avoiding serious health and lifestyle consequences.

In this blog, we'll explore the connection between diabetes and venous insufficiency and the special considerations people with diabetes need to remember. Medically reviewed by Dr. Barajas, lead physician at Center for Vein Restoration vein clinic locations in Greenwood, Indiana, and Avon (Indianapolis), Indiana, this blog aims to show how a board-certified vein expert can help you manage your vein condition effectively.

Understanding Venous Insufficiency and Its Link to Diabetes

Venous insufficiency develops when the valves in the leg veins become weak or damaged, making it difficult for blood to flow back to the heart. As a result, blood pools in the veins, leading to symptoms like swelling (edema), leg pain, and visible vein problems such as varicose veins.

For people with diabetes, venous insufficiency can be even more concerning. Diabetes often causes damage to blood vessels and nerves, which can worsen circulation problems. Additionally, the high blood sugar levels associated with diabetes can weaken vein walls, making them more prone to damage.

A study titled Chronic Venous Disease and Its Intersections with Diabetes Mellitus, published by the National Library of Medicine (NIH), explores the relationship between chronic venous disease (CVD) and diabetes, focusing on how these conditions interact and worsen each other.

The study finds that while the incidence of chronic venous disease is comparable between diabetic and non-diabetic populations, diabetic patients tend to experience more severe complications from chronic venous disease due to the impact of diabetes on blood vessels, including:

• Risk Factors: Diabetes and chronic venous disease often coexist because they share common risk factors like obesity, hypertension, and lack of physical activity. Both conditions are associated with poor vascular health, worsening each disease's complications.
• Complications in Diabetics: Late-stage complications like peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and diabetic neuropathy can worsen venous disease symptoms in diabetic patients. Poor circulation and nerve damage from diabetes increase the risk of venous ulcers and infections, making vein disease more difficult to manage.
• Higher Risk for PAD: Diabetics are at greater risk for developing peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in addition to chronic venous disease, further complicating their vascular health. Why? According to WebMD, diabetes impacts the protective lining of your blood vessels, causing them to lose flexibility. As a result, blood doesn't flow smoothly, which increases your risk of developing peripheral arterial disease (PAD).

This dual burden makes it essential for healthcare providers to screen chronic venous insufficiency patients for diabetes, as its presence can alter both the diagnosis and treatment strategies for vein disease.

The Impact of Diabetes on Venous Health: Key Challenges and Precautions

People with diabetes face unique challenges in managing venous insufficiency, such as:

1. Increased Risk of Ulcers and Infections
   People with diabetes and venous insufficiency are at a heightened risk of leg ulcers, which can become infected and lead to complications like gangrene if not treated promptly. Poor circulation and nerve damage from diabetes impair healing, making early intervention essential.
2. Difficulty Detecting Symptoms
   Diabetic neuropathy can reduce sensation in the legs, making it difficult for diabetics to detect early signs of venous insufficiency. According to the Mayo Clinic, diabetic neuropathy is a form of nerve damage that can develop as a result of diabetes. Routine check-ups with a vein specialist are crucial, as symptoms like swelling or pain may go unnoticed until the condition worsens.
3. Challenges with Compression Therapy
   Compression therapy is a standard treatment for venous insufficiency, but diabetics with sensitive skin or peripheral arterial disease (PAD) may find it uncomfortable or unsafe. A vein expert can help tailor a treatment plan that addresses these concerns while promoting blood flow.

The vein care specialists at Center for Vein Restoration (CVR) are highly experienced in diagnosing and treating venous insufficiency, including complex cases in patients with diabetes. People with diabetes can trust CVR for personalized care—as the CVR vein specialists understand their unique challenges, such as increased risks of venous ulcers and other complications.

With board-certified experts and cutting-edge, office-based, minimally invasive treatments, CVR ensures that people with diabetes receive safe, effective care tailored to their needs in a supportive environment. CVR accepts many insurances, including Aetna, Amerigroup, Anthem, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Cigna, MultiPlan, Medicaid, Medicare, and more.

Call 240-965-3915 to speak to a Patient Services Representative or schedule your consultation online at a CVR near you today.

Managing Venous Insufficiency in Diabetics

If you have diabetes and are experiencing symptoms of venous insufficiency, such as swelling, leg pain, or visible veins, it's important to visit a vein center for a comprehensive evaluation. A vein doctor performs these minimally invasive treatments in an outpatient setting. Here are some strategies your vein specialist might recommend:

Lifestyle Changes
Simple lifestyle adjustments can help alleviate some of the pressure on your veins. For example, regular exercise—like walking or swimming—can improve circulation and reduce swelling in the legs. Elevating your legs when sitting or lying down can also help blood flow back to your heart more easily. Maintaining a healthy weight is also crucial for reducing pressure on your legs and preventing further vein problems.

Medical Treatments
Outpatient treatments are available to manage venous insufficiency in people with diabetes and can help close off damaged veins and redirect blood flow to healthier veins. They include:

Sclerotherapy: A medication known as a sclerosant is injected directly into the affected vein, causing a reaction that leads to the vein closing. Once the vein is sealed, blood is naturally redirected through healthier veins, and the body gradually absorbs the closed vein.

Laser therapy: A small fiber is carefully inserted into the affected vein, where it generates heat to close the vein. Blood flow is redirected through healthier veins nearby as the body heals and absorbs the sealed vein.

Endovenous ablation: Like laser therapy, a small catheter is gently inserted into the vein through the skin, delivering radiofrequency energy to heat and seal the affected vein. Once the catheter is removed, the body begins healing by absorbing the closed vein, while blood flow is redirected through healthier nearby veins.

Center for Vein Restoration (CVR) is a national leader in the diagnosis and treatment of venous insufficiency, offering advanced, minimally invasive procedures to improve vein health and enhance patients' quality of life.

With over 200,000 patient interactions annually—consistently earning a 98 percent satisfaction rating, CVR's patient-centered approach ensures effective outcomes and improved vein health for individuals with diabetes. Call 240-965-3915 to speak to a Patient Services Representative or schedule your consultation online at a CVR near you today.

Monitoring Blood Sugar

Keeping blood sugar levels within a healthy range is essential for managing both diabetes and venous insufficiency. High blood sugar can weaken the walls of your veins and slow down healing processes, making it more challenging to manage venous problems. Maintaining good blood glucose control can help protect your vein health and prevent complications.

A Multi-Disciplinary Approach to Vein Care for Those with Diabetes

In a report published by the National Library of Medicine (NIH) titled A Comprehensive Review of the Vascular Consequences of Diabetes in the Lower Extremities: Current Approaches to Management and Evaluation of Clinical Outcomes, the authors stress the critical importance of a multi-disciplinary approach in managing the vascular complications of diabetes in the lower extremities.

By integrating the expertise of vascular surgeons, endocrinologists, and podiatrists, the study highlights the need for collaborative care to address conditions like peripheral arterial disease, diabetic foot ulcers, and gangrene. It underscores the role of advanced diagnostic tools, tailored pharmacological treatments, and surgical interventions in improving patient outcomes. Additionally, the study calls for a coordinated strategy to enhance limb salvage rates, prevent amputations, and improve the overall quality of life for patients.

When to See a Vein Specialist

If you have diabetes and are experiencing any symptoms of venous insufficiency—such as leg swelling, cramping, or visible veins—it's vital to seek help from a vein specialist as soon as possible. A vein doctor can diagnose the condition and develop a personalized treatment plan to manage your symptoms and prevent further complications.

Early intervention is critical to prevent serious outcomes like ulcers, infections, or even amputation. Working with a vein expert at a reputable vein center ensures that your venous health is managed effectively, keeping your legs healthy and avoiding serious complications.

Center for Vein Restoration (CVR) is recognized as a national leader in the diagnosis and treatment of venous insufficiency. Offering state-of-the-art, minimally invasive treatments, CVR has a team of board-certified specialists who provide expert care tailored to each patient's unique needs, ensuring the best outcomes for vein health, especially for those with diabetes.

Diabetes and Vein Care: Trust America's Leaders for Specialized Treatment

Managing venous insufficiency in diabetics requires proactive care and expertise. Since diabetes can complicate vein issues, it's crucial to partner with a vein specialist who understands your unique needs. By making lifestyle changes, monitoring your blood sugar, and seeking timely medical care, you can help protect your legs from serious complications.

Take the first step towards healthier veins and better well-being. Trust America's industry leaders in vein treatment; contact the experts at the Center for Vein Restoration today at 240-965-3915.