Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects how the body processes blood sugar (glucose). It can lead to various health issues when it is not treated properly. Of the numerous health concerns that diabetic patients may face, swollen feet are one of the most dominant. The swelling of the feet can be uncomfortable and, in certain cases, it can indicate more serious health issues connected to diabetes.

In this article, we’ll discuss diabetes swollen feet, why your feet swell when you have diabetes. Are swollen feet a sign of diabetes? Does diabetic neuropathy cause swelling? And how do diabetics reduce swollen feet?

Why Do Your Feet Swell?

Swollen feet, which is also known as oedema, develop when excessive fluid accumulates inside the underlying tissues that line the lower leg and feet. There are a variety of factors that are responsible for this buildup of fluid:

• Poor circulation (Peripheral Artery Disease_PAD): Diabetes can result in poor circulation, particularly on the lower extremities. A high blood sugar level over time may cause damage to blood vessels and limit circulation, which makes it harder for fluids to get back into the heart. This retention of fluid causes swelling, particularly around the ankles and feet.
• Kidney damage (Diabetic Nephropathy): Diabetes is one of the main causes of kidney problems. The kidneys play a vital role in controlling fluid balance and eliminating extra fluid from your body. When kidney function declines, it is possible that the body will not be able to rid itself of excess fluids, leading to swelling in the legs and feet.
• Neurodegeneration (Diabetic neuropathy): High blood sugar levels can harm nerves, mainly located in the lower legs and feet. This condition, referred to as diabetic neuropathy, may cause a decrease in sensation in the foot. For diabetic people, it is difficult to recognize when they are damaged or suffering from an infection. The damage to the nerve can interfere with the body’s ability to manage fluid levels, leading to swelling.
• Increased blood sugar and inflammation: A long-term high blood sugar may cause general inflammation. This could affect your body’s capacity to control fluids and cause the feet to increase in size. The inflammation also weakens the blood vessel wall, which makes it easier for fluids to leak into tissues around it.

Are Swollen Feet a Sign of Diabetes?

Although foot swelling isn’t necessarily an indication that you have diabetes. It may be a sign that diabetes is not being controlled properly or that signs of complications are developing. It is important to remember that foot swelling could also be due to other conditions that are not related to diabetes, for example, heart disease, pregnancy, or even certain medications.
For those with diabetes, swollen feet could be a sign of the following possible issues:

• Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD): As stated, PAD is common in diabetics and may cause swelling due to inadequate circulation.
• Kidney Disease (Diabetic Nephropathy): Swollen feet could be a sign of damage to the kidneys.
• Heart Failure: Foot swelling is often caused by heart issues and is often accompanied by other signs like fatigue or shortness of breath.
• Infection or poor Wound Healing: Patients with diabetes are more susceptible to infections, specifically on the feet. If there is an infection, this can cause swelling of the affected area.

Does Diabetic Neuropathy Cause Swelling?

Diabetic neuropathy, a type of nerve damage triggered by high blood sugar levels, most commonly affects nerves in the feet and legs. While it does not directly cause swelling, it may cause conditions that can result in swelling. Here’s how:

• Impaired Sensation: Neuropathy results in the loss of sensation in the feet. This means that patients might not feel the pain caused by the injury or even infection. The delayed response to an issue could cause swelling if an injury or infection goes unnoticed.
• Autonomic nerve dysfunction: Diabetic neuropathy can impact the autonomic nerves, which regulate voluntary functions, for example, blood flow. This can lead to swelling and fluid retention. swelling in the ankles and feet.

In the end, diabetic neuropathy does not directly cause swelling; however, it may make people more susceptible to conditions that can cause swelling and fluid retention.

How Do Diabetics Reduce Swollen Feet?

The best way to reduce swelling in diabetic feet is to control the blood sugar level, enhance circulation, and deal with the root cause of swelling. Here are some strategies that work:

• Manage Blood Sugar Levels: Maintaining your blood sugar within the desired level is the most important method of reducing swelling and preventing it. This prevents the damage to blood vessels, nerves, and kidneys that can cause oedema. Maintaining a steady blood sugar level through healthy eating, regular physical exercise, and monitoring with CGM Devices is vital.
• Elevate Your Feet: The feet must be elevated to help encourage fluid movement from the legs to the circulation. While sitting or lying down, you need to attempt elevating your feet to the level of the heart for about 20 minutes several times a day to reduce swelling.
• Take regular exercise: Running, swimming, walking or cycling are examples of exercises that can lower congestion and avert fluid retention in feet. Exercise taken in moderation has the capability of contributing significantly towards lessening swelling. Always visit your medical doctor before starting any kind of exercise programmed, particularly if you have a circulatory disease affecting circulation or diabetic neuropathy.
• Pneumatic Compression: According to a PubMed report, intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) devices can help patients with diabetic neuropathic foot ulcers by alleviating oedema. If you have any such problems, talk to your doctor about the possibility of receiving IPC, maybe through the use of a Bio Compression System.
• Monitoring Kidney Function: Regular visits to the healthcare provider to assess kidney function are vital. If you suspect kidney disease, early intervention could lower the chance of swelling and other complications.
• Stay hydrated: Drinking enough water is vital to maintaining the balance of fluids within your body. A healthy diet and adequate hydration help the kidneys function more effectively and could reduce fluid retention in the feet.
• Dietary Aspects to Consider: A diet low in sodium and high in nutrients can prevent the retention of fluids. Avoiding salty food and eating potassium-rich foods like sweet potatoes, bananas, and leafy greens will aid in balancing fluids within the body.
• Foot Care: A proper foot care routine is essential for those with diabetes to avoid injuries, wounds, and swelling. Make sure to check your feet frequently for blisters, cuts, or indications of infection and seek medical attention right away when you notice any problems.
• Medication Adjustment: If swelling persists, talk to your doctor. In some instances, adjustments to your medication may be required. Diuretics, for instance, can be prescribed to aid the body in getting rid of excess fluids.

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When Should You See a Doctor?

You should see a doctor if you’re experiencing an ongoing or significant swelling in your feet. If it’s coupled with other signs like pain or redness, it’s essential to visit an expert right away. The swelling can be a sign of a serious problem, like an infection, a heart condition, or kidney issues. The early intervention is a way to prevent complications and enhance the long-term health of patients.

Conclusion

The swelling of feet in individuals with diabetes is a common issue that can arise due to various complications such as poor circulation, kidney disease, and diabetic neuropathy. Swelling is not a symptom of diabetes, but in most cases, it’s a sign of uncontrolled blood sugar levels or some other disease. Managing the complications of diabetes by managing blood sugar and proper foot care, as well as daily exercise and watching the function of the kidney, may help decrease the chance of swelling, and also promote overall health. If you’re having persistent swelling, you need to consult a doctor to determine the cause and prevent further complications.

By being proactive in the management of diabetes and taking early medical advice, individuals afflicted with diabetes can reduce the impact of swelling of the feet and enjoy a healthier life.