Diabetics' legs swell (edema) mainly due to poor circulation from high blood sugar damaging blood vessels, causing fluid to pool in extremities, but also from nerve damage (neuropathy) leading to unnoticed injuries, kidney or heart issues, venous insufficiency, blood clots, obesity, and certain medications, all common diabetes complications. This fluid buildup happens because blood vessels become leaky, and valves in leg veins struggle to push blood back up, leading to fluid accumulation, especially in the feet and ankles.
Try these to reduce the swelling in legs from type 1 or type 2 diabetes:
To avoid hurting your skin, don't use a nail file, nail clipper or scissors on calluses, corns or warts. Don't use chemical wart removers. See your provider or foot specialist (podiatrist) to remove any of these issues. Cut your toenails carefully.
Lower extremity edema is often an early sign of significant fluid retention that could result in cardiac overload and conditions such as heart failure and is a common clinical finding in persons with diabetes [1–3].
Drinking water plays a vital role in reducing swelling by: Flushing Out Toxins: Proper hydration helps the kidneys eliminate excess sodium and waste, preventing fluid retention in the legs.
How is edema treated?
You can have swelling due to fluid buildup from being overweight, being inactive, sitting or standing for a long time, or wearing tight stockings or jeans. Factors related to fluid buildup include: Acute kidney injury. Cardiomyopathy (problem with the heart muscle)
Pioglitazone, one of the medicines in pioglitazone and metformin hydrochloride tablets, can cause your body to keep extra fluid (fluid retention), which leads to swelling (edema) and weight gain. Extra body fluid can make some heart problems worse or lead to heart failure.
The worst foods for diabetics include:
When to Seek Care for Swelling. You should seek emergency care if you have sudden, unexplained swelling in just one limb or if it occurs along with chest pain, trouble breathing, coughing up blood, fever, or skin that is red and warm to the touch.
According to its proponents, you use the pinch method by holding the thumb and index finger of one hand just above the wrist of the other hand and then exerting a little bit of pressure on the wrist. Doing this will supposedly cause the release of insulin and break down glucose.
Wear socks without seams. Avoid tight-fitting socks and garters. Wear socks in bed if your feet are cold at night.
Risk factors for diabetes
A DPM can examine your feet for diabetes warning signs such as redness, numbness, swelling, scaly skin, inflammation, loss of hair on the toes, and non-healing wounds or sores. If symptoms are found, the DPM will refer you to other physicians, in addition to scheduling you for regular visits.
The 5 stages of diabetic foot ulcers generally progress from a healthy foot (Stage 1) through increasing severity: a high-risk foot (Stage 2, with calluses/blisters), a shallow ulcer (Stage 3), a deeper infected ulcer (Stage 4, involving bone/tendon), and finally gangrene or necrosis (Stage 5, tissue death, often needing amputation). Management focuses on preventing progression, especially in earlier stages, through good foot care, blood sugar control, and addressing neuropathy and poor circulation.
The exact cause of most types of diabetes is unknown. In all cases, sugar builds up in the bloodstream. This is because the pancreas doesn't produce enough insulin. Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes may be caused by a combination of genetic or environmental factors.
Fruits to avoid with diabetes
While you don't need to avoid these high glycemic fruits, you should limit or eat them in moderation: Bananas. Mangoes. Pineapple.
Choose wholemeal, wholegrain, brown or high fibre white bread. Try to include at least 3 servings throughout the day. Aim to include these foods with 2 of your meals daily.
Diabetes often leads to decreased circulation, which causes fluid to accumulate. This primarily affects the legs and feet. Kidney damage due to diabetes also plays a significant role. Impaired kidney function affects the body's fluid regulation, leading to swelling.
Cautions with other medicines
It's best to take metformin tablets with, or just after, your evening meal to reduce the chance of getting side effects. Swallow your metformin tablets whole with a drink of water. Do not chew them. If you're taking metformin sachets, pour the powder into a glass and add water (about 150ml).
Pain or Discomfort:
Leg swelling accompanied by pain or discomfort, particularly in the calf area, should not be ignored. It could be a sign of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a condition where a blood clot forms in a deep vein. DVT can be a serious condition that requires prompt treatment to prevent complications.
Edema is a common sign of kidney disease. Since your kidneys are too damaged to remove all the sodium and water that they need to remove from your blood, they build up in your blood vessels and cause your capillaries to leak fluid into your tissues. Edema caused by CKD usually occurs in your legs and around your eyes.
Seek immediate medical attention
Get care right away if your leg swelling: Happens suddenly and for no clear reason. Is related to a physical injury. This includes a fall, sports injury or car accident.