Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a serious condition that includes deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary artery embolism.
Both men and women are at risk of developing VTE, but a recent study suggests that women with diabetes may be at a higher risk than men.
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects millions of people worldwide, and it is a known risk factor for VTE.
In the study conducted by scientists from the Complexity Science Hub and MedUni Vienna, they examined data from around 45 million hospitalizations and 7.2 million patients in Austria from 2003 to 2014.
They analyzed 180,034 patients with diabetes and found that women with diabetes are 1.52 times more likely to suffer from VTE than women without diabetes.
In contrast, men with diabetes are only 1.3 times more likely to develop VTE than men without diabetes.
This suggests that women with diabetes should be monitored more carefully for the development of VTE, especially during their perimenopause.
The findings also suggest that the biological advantage of women, especially for vascular complications in the case of diabetes, is dwindling, and their risk increases further with the drop in estrogen in menopause.
This highlights the importance of intensive treatment of all risk factors at a younger age.
To better understand this gender-specific correlation between diabetes and VTE, further analyses are needed to investigate the causes of the relative increase in risk.
This could lead to important steps toward preventing VTE in patients with diabetes, especially women.
The study provides important insights into the relationship between diabetes and VTE, highlighting the need for gender-specific monitoring and intensive treatment of all risk factors at a younger age.
VTE can have serious consequences and can be life-threatening.
If a blood clot in the leg breaks off and travels to the lungs, it can cause a pulmonary embolism (PE).
PE is a potentially life-threatening condition that can cause shortness of breath, chest pain, rapid breathing, coughing up blood, and even sudden death.
If a blood clot forms in the deep veins of the legs or pelvis and is not treated promptly, it can lead to a condition called post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS).
PTS can cause chronic leg pain, swelling, and skin changes, and can significantly impact a person’s quality of life.
In addition, having a history of VTE increases the risk of developing another VTE in the future, which can further increase the risk of complications.
Therefore, it is important to take steps to prevent VTE and to seek medical attention if any symptoms of VTE are experienced.
There are several ways to prevent VTE:
Regular exercise: Regular physical activity can help improve blood flow and prevent blood clots. Exercise also helps in maintaining a healthy weight, which can lower the risk of VTE.
Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight or obese increases the risk of VTE. Therefore, maintaining a healthy weight can lower the risk of developing VTE.
Quit smoking: Smoking increases the risk of developing VTE. Quitting smoking can lower the risk of VTE.
Take breaks during long flights or car trips: Sitting for long periods of time can increase the risk of blood clots. Taking breaks and walking around during long flights or car trips can help prevent blood clots.
Wear compression stockings: Compression stockings help in improving blood flow in the legs and lower the risk of blood clots.
Stay hydrated: Drinking enough water can help prevent blood from thickening and forming clots.
Manage chronic medical conditions: Managing chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease can lower the risk of developing VTE.
It is important to talk to a healthcare provider about personal risk factors for VTE and to discuss appropriate prevention strategies.
If you care about diabetes, please read studies about new drugs to treat diabetes and metabolic syndrome, and heavy cannabis use may decrease the incidence of diabetes.
For more information about health, please see recent studies about the normal blood sugar for people with diabetes, and results showing Vitamin E may help prevent Parkinson’s disease.
The study was conducted by Elma Dervic et al and published in Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice.
Copyright © 2023 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
