Is varicose veins a concern in my grandmother, who has been a diabetic for the past 45 years?

Question

Hello doctor,

My grandmother has had diabetes since she was 45 years old. She is now 70 years old. Now on her right leg, her nerves are seen to be twisted. My friend said it is varicose veins. Will it cause any problems? She is not having issues with it. I am worried that it will affect her.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I would like to clarify your concern. Veins and nerves are two different entities. Nerves do not get visible to the naked eye. So if you can see some thread-like structure visible, that most likely will be a varicose vein. And it can rarely be dangerous, but most of the time, it is a benign thing. It does not affect much. So the only thing you need to be cautious about is skin ulceration over varicose veins. So if something like that occurs, take it seriously because she has diabetes. Otherwise, you do not need to do anything.