An Observational Study On Prevalence And Severity Of Varicose Vein In Diabetic Compared To Non-Diabetic In Tertiary Care Centre

Abstract

Varicose veins are a common vascular condition characterized by enlarged, twisted veins that often cause discomfort and swelling, primarily in the legs. They are usually the result of prolonged standing, obesity, pregnancy, and aging, but they can also be influenced by genetic factors.  This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and severity of varicose veins in diabetic compared to non-diabetic patients. Data from 120 patients aged 20 to 80 years were collected using a self-designed questionnaire. The majority of varicose vein cases were observed in patients aged 51 to 60 years (27.5%), followed by those aged 41 to 50 (25.8%) and 61 to 70 years (21.7%). Men were found to be more susceptible to varicose veins (54.16%) compared to women (45.8%). Among the comorbidities studied, hypertension was most prevalent (37.5%), followed by diabetes mellitus (31.6%), thyroid disorders (13.6%). Smoking prevalence among the population was noted at 40%. Statistical analysis using a paired T-test indicated a highly significant difference (<0.001) between diabetic and non-diabetic patients regarding varicose vein prevalence. Surprisingly, the study found a higher prevalence of varicose veins in the non-diabetic population, particularly among those with hypertension. In conclusion, while this study suggests a notable presence of varicose veins in both diabetic and non-diabetic populations, hypertension appears to be a more significant comorbidity associated with varicose veins in this cohort. Further research could explore the complex interactions between diabetes, hypertension, and varicose veins to better understand their interplay and implications for management strategies.