What are the Causes of Diabetes Leg Swelling

People with diabetes often experience diabetic leg swelling due to poor blood circulation. The condition causes fluid to build up in the feet, ankles, and lower legs. It is not a pleasant symptom, but with diabetes swelling legs treatment, you can keep it under control.

This article will answer the question, can diabetes cause leg swelling, and explain the possible causes and treatments.

Diabetic Leg Swelling Causes

Diabetes occurs when your body doesn’t produce enough insulin, a hormone released by the pancreas that helps the cells absorb sugar. Without proper insulin production, glucose can build up in the blood. When glucose levels get too high, they can damage the lining of the small blood vessels causing poor blood circulation.

A lack of circulation causes fluid to build up in the lower extremities producing swelling.

Here are some other ways diabetes contributes to leg swelling.

• Sprains and Fractures:  Diabetics often experience limited feeling in their legs and feet due to poor circulation and diabetic neuropathy. As a result, they may not feel sprains, fractures, and other injuries. If left untreated, these conditions can cause feet and legs to swell.
• Wounds: Limited circulation and nerve damage can also make it difficult for diabetics to feel foot wounds like blisters, corns, cuts, and scrapes that cause feet to swell. If these wounds are unattended, they can lead to gangrene and amputation.
• Heart Problems: People with diabetes are at high risk for heart conditions including congestive heart failure. Congestive heart failure reduces the heart chambers’ ability to pump blood efficiently. Blood can back up into the feet and legs causing them to swell.
• Kidney Conditions: Diabetes is often linked to kidney disease. Kidney disease reduces the body’s ability to regulate fluid balance and may contribute to swelling.·  Medications: Diabetics may use medications such as blood pressure drugs and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications which produce swelling and other side effects.

How Do You Get Rid of Diabetic Leg Swelling?

Diabetic leg swelling is not pleasant, but various treatments reduce swelling and prevent it from occurring. Here are some you can try.

Manage Diabetes

The best defense against diabetic leg swelling is to manage diabetes. With the proper management, you can reduce the risk of conditions that make swelling more likely to occur such as reduced circulation, neuropathy, and kidney and heart problems.

It’s best to balance blood sugar naturally with a healthy diet of vegetables, fruits, healthy fats, and lean proteins. Exercise also helps with blood sugar management and can improve insulin sensitivity. Avoid sugar which can impact blood glucose levels.

A healthy diet and exercise lead to weight loss which improves blood sugar levels and reduces the risk of complications.

Stress management is also essential in diabetes treatment. Stress leads to weight gain and throws off sleep cycles which can also impact appetite. Talk to a therapist and practice yoga and meditation to keep stress levels under control.

Patients should also follow doctors’ orders by taking prescribed medications and monitoring blood sugar to prevent serious health problems.

Lower Salt Intake

A high salt diet causes your body to retain water contributing to fluid buildup. Diabetics who wish to avoid swelling should adopt a low-sodium meal routine.

Stay Active

 Feet and legs are likely to swell when you sit for long periods. If you have a desk job or are on a long flight, get up and walk around at least once every couple of hours to reduce swelling risk.

Wear Compression Socks

Compression socks are tighter than regular socks. They gently squeeze the feet and lower legs to stimulate circulation and prevent swelling. Compression socks can be purchased over the counter or with a prescription. Prescription socks are customized to your feet ensuring optimal results.

Elevate Your Feet

When you raise your feet above your heart, you improve circulation which minimizes swelling. Use pillows, a stool, or an ottoman to ensure your feet are positioned for optimal blood flow.

Take Medication

If inflammation is excessive, talk to your doctor. They may prescribe a diuretic or water pill to reduce swelling.

Stay Hydrated

It may seem counterintuitive to drink water when your body is retaining fluid, but hydration can help minimize swelling. When you’re dehydrated, your body holds on to fluid which increases swelling. Hydrating allows your body to release fluid and helps flush sodium out of your system.

Take a Magnesium Supplement

Swelling can be a sign of magnesium deficiency. Eat leafy green vegetables, nuts, seeds, and dairy to ensure you get enough magnesium in your diet. If you have trouble with your magnesium intake, consider adding a supplement.

Soak in Epsom Salt

Magnesium sulfate (Epsom salt) is said to reduce swelling. Limited scientific evidence backs its anti-inflammatory effects, but many believe it draws toxins out of the skin to provide wellness benefits. Although Epsom salt may not always work, it doesn’t hurt to try it. It won’t produce side effects and it may promote relaxation.

Try Essential Oils

Some research shows essential oils may reduce swelling and promote blood flow. A 2017 review revealed the oil of the hypnotic martiusli benth plant may lower inflammation. A 2013 study found lavender oil may aid blood glucose management and lower oxidative stress in people with diabetes. These all-natural treatments may not be effective for everyone, but they are worth trying.

Practice Good Foot Care

Swelling may occur due to wounds on the feet. You can avoid foot wounds by trimming toenails, cleaning and drying feet daily, and wearing comfortable, protective footwear. You should also check your feet for wounds, sprains, and fractures and monitor your foot temperature to detect early signs of swelling.

If your doctor recommends foot temperature monitoring, Feetsee could be the ideal solution. Open the app and attach your phone to the Feetsee stand via the connective device. It will detect rising temperatures that indicate inflammation and could be a sign of foot injury. You can treat symptoms early on to prevent extensive swelling.

Conclusion

So, is leg swelling a sign of diabetes? Yes, it can be caused by poor blood flow and related conditions like injuries, heart disease, kidney problems, and medications. But with the proper treatment, you can prevent swelling and even eliminate it.

Feetsee is a recommended preventative technology. Contact us to learn more about our innovative system.

FAQs

Can type 2 diabetes cause leg swelling?

Yes, both type 1 and type 2 diabetes can cause leg swelling. Type 1 diabetes occurs in childhood while type 2 occurs later in life, typically in patients with high body mass index. However, both conditions can cause poor circulation and other complications that lead to swelling.

When should I see a doctor about diabetic leg swelling?

You should see a doctor if your swelling is new or worsening. If left unattended, it could lead to a diabetic foot ulcer which may require amputation. Swelling could also be a sign of heart failure or venous insufficiency. If you have swelling on one side of your body, it may indicate deep vein thrombosis.

Is foot swelling a sign of diabetes?

The terms foot swelling and leg swelling are used interchangeably to describe swelling in the lower extremities. Swelling can occur for various reasons and diabetes is a common cause.