{"id":626549,"date":"2024-02-01T09:30:36","date_gmt":"2024-02-01T14:30:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=626549"},"modified":"2024-10-25T10:11:39","modified_gmt":"2024-10-25T14:11:39","slug":"diabetes-swollen-feet","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/diabetes-swollen-feet\/","title":{"rendered":"What to do if diabetes makes your feet swell"},"content":{"rendered":"

When someone is diagnosed with <\/span>diabetes<\/span><\/a>, they must keep a close eye on their blood sugar levels—but, surprisingly, they must also keep a close eye on their feet. People with diabetes are more <\/span>prone to swelling<\/span><\/a> in the lower legs and feet, a condition called <\/span>lower extremity edema<\/span><\/a>. Essentially, this is an excess buildup of fluid in the lower extremities. The result is <\/span>feet can become puffy-looking<\/span><\/a>, with the skin looking stretched and shiny. <\/span><\/p>\n

While swollen <\/span>feet can be disconcerting for anyone, for people with diabetes, it can be a sign that blood sugar is not well-controlled. Supplements like magnesium and lifestyle changes like compression socks can help treat and prevent this complication. Here’s what you need to know if you have diabetes and your feet are swollen. <\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>Tips for diabetic feet problems<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

Is swollen feet a sign of diabetes?<\/span><\/h2>\n

High blood sugar, a hallmark of diabetes, can damage blood vessels and make it easier for fluid to pool in your legs and feet. Diabetes can also cause nerve damage in your lower extremities, which could lead to fluid leaking and causing swelling. All that to say, swollen feet could be a sign of diabetes if you’re not already diagnosed.<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>Early signs of diabetes<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

Can diabetes cause edema?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Edema caused by diabetes is primarily due to poor circulation.<\/span> “It is very common for people with diabetes to have problems with their heart, kidneys, and circulation,” says Ana Maria Kausel, MD, an endocrinologist and co-founder of <\/span>Anzara Health<\/span><\/a> in Miami. <\/span><\/p>\n

High blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels over time, which can make it hard for your circulatory system to move blood throughout your body. Normally, valves in the veins in your legs ensure that blood flows toward the heart—but they can start to leak, which makes it hard to keep sending the blood upward. When this occurs, blood begins to <\/span>collect in the lower legs and feet.<\/span><\/a> When excess fluid builds up in the tissues of your body, it causes swelling. <\/span><\/p>\n

Although lower limb swelling <\/span>is common<\/span><\/a> in people with diabetes, <\/span>several factors can cause <\/span>edema in the ankles and feet<\/span><\/a>, such as sitting or standing too long, being overweight, eating too much salty food, injuries, infections, pregnancy, or certain medications.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

Swollen feet can also be a side effect of some medications—including those used to treat diabetes, such as <\/span>Actos (pioglitazone)<\/span><\/a> and Avandia (rosiglitazone). <\/span><\/p>\n

How to treat swollen feet from diabetes<\/span><\/h2>\n

If you notice your feet swelling for the first time or you experience swelling only occasionally, you can try resolving it with a few of the following home remedies. <\/span><\/p>\n