How Diabetes and Varicose Veins Are Linked
Having diabetes and varicose veins can have a significant impact on your health. The reason is that diabetes causes you to have high blood sugar levels that can weaken your blood vessels. People with diabetes have an increased risk of varicose veins and other circulatory issues due to weakness and inflammation of the blood vessels.
Varicose veins and diabetes can put you at risk for serious complications, so it’s important to take proactive measures to manage both conditions. Consuming a healthy diet and exercising regularly are vital, which means you may want to skip the Halloween candy this year.
<h2> Sugar-Filled Halloween Candy is Tasty, But Not a Good Idea <h2>
Most Halloween candy contains high amounts of sugar, fat, and calories. Minimizing sugar if you’re diabetic helps to keep your blood sugar at a manageable level. Because of the density in sugar, Halloween treats can block the benefits of nutritious foods that you eat and make weight gain more likely. Here are some additional tips to help you manage diabetes and varicose veins:
- Avoid foods with high salt content
- Eat more high-fiber foods
- Avoid tight-fitting clothing
- Don’t stand or sit for long periods
- Elevate your feet when resting
Varicose Veins Should Be Properly Treated by a Doctor
Varicose veins are more than a cosmetic concern because they can cause a more serious health issue like blood clots. Diabetes doesn’t prevent you from receiving vein treatments, but it’s critical to work with an experienced vein physician.
Varicose Vein Treatment Options
Laser therapy for varicose veins replaced the old procedure of vein stripping in approximately 2010. You receive local anesthesia before the procedure to ensure your comfort. Laser therapy involves inserting an extremely thin laser fiber into the affected vein with a needle. Your doctor guides the needle via ultrasound, and you remain awake the entire time. With laser treatment, your doctor shuts broken or faulty veins so they don’t cause pain or other symptoms.
You can also receive varicose vein treatment by injection for treatment of enlarged veins or foam injections for veins on your legs. Lastly, you might opt for micro-surgery to treat your varicose veins. With this procedure, your doctor makes small incisions near the affected veins and then removes them and closes the incisions.
Tips for Healing as Quickly as Possible After Your Procedure
While it’s fine to resume your normal activities right away, don’t be surprised by bruising and discomfort in the treatment area. This should resolve within a week or two, and you can take Ibuprofen up to four times a day for pain. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if your pain persists or becomes severe.
You may also experience inflammation, a feeling of tightness in the treated area, hardened knots, or skin discoloration. Each of these effects is normal, and our staff will discuss the best ways to handle them before you go home. Your body will continue to heal over the next several months.
Finding Vein Treatment in Manhattan, New York
If you’re tired of living with the discomfort and embarrassment of varicose veins or worry you could have something more serious because of diabetes, we invite you to meet our vein physicians in Manhattan, NY for an exam and consultation. Feel free to schedule an appointment today.