How is diabetes related to swelling of the lower leg?
crao_craz asked:
I have slight swelling of my right lower leg. The endocrinologist discovered it today. I asked her if it was caused by diabetes and she said, “Not diabetes per se.” That was all she said. What condition might this be? I’m going back in one month.
The circulation in my legs is good and I have no numbness or tingling in my toes or the rest of my feet.
The Biggest Loser
I have slight swelling of my right lower leg. The endocrinologist discovered it today. I asked her if it was caused by diabetes and she said, “Not diabetes per se.” That was all she said. What condition might this be? I’m going back in one month.
The circulation in my legs is good and I have no numbness or tingling in my toes or the rest of my feet.
The Biggest Loser
December 3rd, 2008 at 5:22 am
It affects circulation and can become very serious. People have limbs removed due to diabetes. Make sure you keep the appointment.
December 5th, 2008 at 4:09 pm
well what i know about diabetes mellitus is that it affects kidney function and water cannot be reabsorbed by the kidney tubules correctly, leading to edema….
December 6th, 2008 at 12:52 am
There are a number of conditions which may cause this aside from diabetes- Swelling and inflammation of the blood vessels, either surface (phlebitis) or deep (deep vein thrombosis) can cause swelling. Hormonal changes may cause water retention which can collect in the legs, low blood pressure can cause blood pooling, and high blood pressure can cause edema. Diabetes tends to exacerbate each of these conditions-in addition, it can cause nephritis, resulting in water retention, and it is associated with many vascular problems. It isn’t likely to be due to neuropathy because you have no pain or numbness in the limb.
December 6th, 2008 at 9:55 am
abc and neuroprof’s answers are good. I’d expect swelling in both legs for most diabetes-related problems. Could also be medication side effects, although again I would expect it in both legs. Unilateral leg swelling can be a potentially worrisome finding. Depends on how it looks. How swollen is it? Is there any pain? Is it warmer than the other? How long has this been going on? Do you have varicose veins? How active are you? Had any surgeries recently? Any recent trips in which you were sitting for a long period? Any other medical problems? What meds are you taking? History of clotting disorders?
December 7th, 2008 at 4:03 am
Diabetic neuropathy is a serious
complication of diabetes that affects
millions of people every day. In fact,
one in two people with diabetes has it.
Nerves damaged by diabetic neuropathy
can cause stinging or burning sensations,
tingling, pain, numbness or weakness in
your feet and hands. You can be very
sensitive to touch. And everyday
activities can cause extreme pain.
What’s worse, diabetic neuropathy puts
you at risk for foot injury, infection, even
amputation.
It’s not too late to prevent or
delay the onset of diabetic neuropathy.
Act now. Call the American Diabetes
Association at 1-800-DIABETES or visit for more
information. Or talk to your doctor
about your symptoms.
December 9th, 2008 at 6:05 am
DM causes two main types of problems
Micro-vascular and macro-vascular.
A handful of DM co-mobilities cause lower extremity edema.
1: Hypertension—>hypertrophy
—>CHF—>edema
2: Hyperlipidema–>coronary artery occlusion–>MI—>CHF–> edema
3: Drug induces thiazolidinediones (TZDs Actos & Avandia)
If the swelling is warm and red then it could be a DVT. People with DM have a higher incidence of DVT. If you notice you are short of breath, go to an ER ASAP because you could have a PE)