Is There a Relationship between DVT and Diabetes?

Is There a Relationship between DVT and Diabetes? Diabetes is a sometimes life-threatening disease that affects over 23 million Americans and is the cause of as many of one-fifth of the deaths reported each year.  In addition to the complications caused by the disease itself, such as insulin reactions, there are several other diseases and conditions that are caused by or increased by having diabetes including heart disease and an increased occurrence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) which is the formation of potentially life-threatening blood clots.  DVT & diabetes are closely linked since people with diabetes are two times more likely to develop these blood clots (Thrombus).

DVT Causes

What causes a DVT and how is diabetes related?

A DVT cause is said to be influenced by three factors which include:

  • Thickness of the blood
  • Rate of the blood’s flow
  • Qualities of the blood vessel walls

Dehydration can increase the blood’s thickness leading to a blood clot and high glucose levels in the blood can lead to dehydration.  Since high blood glucose is a symptom of diabetes there is the connection.  Other factors that diabetics should be aware of include inactivity, obesity and recent surgery.  Diabetics with any other increased risk factor should be very aware of the risks, prevention and detection of blood clots.

DVT Symptoms

There aren’t always symptoms with blood clots & DVT, especially if you have diabetes.

Some of the possible symptoms include:

  • Soreness or redness especially in the thigh or pelvic region (the most common locations for a blood clot)
  • Pain and/or swelling and dilation of surface veins

A diabetic should discuss any possible symptoms and risk factors with their doctor and consider whether additional tests are needed.

Decreasing the Risk For DVT

There are some simple ways to decrease the risks of blood clots and diabetes.  The simplest thing to do is to be sure to drink enough water to prevent dehydration.  If the urine you produce is dark yellow in color you are not drinking enough water.  Be sure to drink enough water to produce light yellow to almost clear urine.  You should also be sure to get enough exercise to encourage good circulation.  Regular aerobic exercise also improves the quality of the vessel walls among numerous other benefits including helping to achieve a healthy weight.  A diabetic should also be careful not to sit in one position for extended periods.  If a job or other circumstance requires a lot of sitting, be sure to take regular breaks to walk around and do some calf stretches frequently while sitting.

  • Stay hydrated
  • Get exercise
  • Don’t sit for long periods of time
  • See your doctor regularly

DVT And Diabetes Connection

The connection between blood clots/DVT & diabetes is clear and dangerous, but by being aware and taking proper precautions the risks may be reduced or eliminated.  If you have further concerns, it is always advisable to talk to your doctor or dietician.