Diabetics are at an increased risk of developing blood clots (known as Deep Vein Thrombosis or DVT). The cause of a DVT is influenced by three factors:
- Thickness of the blood
- Rate of the blood flow
- Quality of the vessel wall
High glucose (sugar) levels can result in dehydration, and dehydration thickens the blood, which can help lead to the development of blood clot.
A DVT can lead to two complications: First, a DVT can break loose and travel into the lungs (known as a pulmonary embolism or PE), causing symptoms resembling a heart attack (shortness of breath, chest pain, rapid pulse). A PE can even lead to death. However, if the DVT can be prevented, the rosk of PE is eliminated. The Center for Disease Control recommends wearing graduated compression socks to help prevent DVT.
