Diabetes is a metabolic disease that results in high blood sugar levels, and it can cause a wide variety of symptoms. One common symptom is swelling in the feet, which several factors can cause. This article will look at the causes and treatments for diabetes-related swollen feet.
What Are the Causes of Diabetes Swollen Feet?
According to the American Diabetes Association, there are several possible causes of diabetes-related swollen feet. These include:
Cardiovascular Risks:
Cardiovascular risks, such as high blood pressure, can damage the small blood vessels in the feet. This can cause fluid to build up in your feet, leading to leg swelling.
Kidney Disease:
If your kidneys are not functioning correctly, they can't filter out excess fluid from the body, leading to swelling in the feet and ankles.
Injury or Infection:
If you have an injury or infection that affects your feet, it can cause a blood clot and then swelling. Certain types of conditions also cause inflammation, which can lead to swelling in the feet.
Deficiencies in Vitamins and Minerals:
Deficiencies are specific vitamins and minerals that can also lead to swelling in the feet. Vitamins such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, and sodium help regulate fluid balance in the body, and deficiencies in these can lead to swelling.
Neuropathy:
The term means nerve damage, which is common in people with diabetes. Nerves help regulate blood circulation; if they don't work correctly, they can cause swelling.
What Are the Treatments for Diabetes Swollen Feet?
There are several treatments available for diabetes-related swollen feet. These include:
Proper Foot Care:
Proper foot care is essential for everyone but particularly for those with diabetes. Diabetes can affect the circulation and sensation of your feet, making it harder to sense injury or tell when your feet have been exposed to too much pressure or friction.
It’s essential to keep your feet clean and dry by washing them daily with warm water and soap, as this helps to prevent infection or inflammation. Ensure that you wear supportive shoes every day; choosing shoes made with breathable materials can help reduce excess moisture due to sweat.
Check your feet regularly for any cuts, sores, blisters, swollen areas, or color changes, and visit your doctor if you notice anything unusual. Taking good care of your feet is crucial in helping prevent medical problems such as infections, wounds, and ulcers that are more common in individuals with diabetes.
Exercise:
Diabetes-related swollen feet can be reduced significantly with regular exercise. Low-impact activities such as walking, swimming, or water aerobics promote improved circulation in the lower extremities, thereby reducing swelling and providing relief. Furthermore, the exercise-induced endorphins released during moderate activity can help alleviate any associated discomfort that comes with swollen feet caused by Diabetes.
With a well-conceived fitness regime made up of moderate physical exertion tailored to your individual needs, Diabetes-related swollen feet can become more manageable.
Medications:
Your doctor might suggest anything from diuretics to aid in reducing the amount of fluid in your body to corticosteroids that work to limit inflammation to even medications designed specifically for controlling blood sugar levels.
Depending on the severity of your swelling and other factors affecting your Diabetes, certain medications may provide more relief than others.
If you're suffering from Diabetes-related swelling in your feet, talk to your doctor about which options might be best for you.
Compression Stockings:
Wearing compression stockings can be especially beneficial for individuals with diabetes or swollen feet.
Applying pressure to the lower legs helps reduce the extra fluid buildup in the feet and ankles while also providing support to the leg muscles.
In addition, they are designed to promote better circulation throughout the entire foot area, resulting in relief and comfort for those affected by injury or infection.
For individuals with Diabetes, compression stockings can also stimulate better blood flow to areas of the feet susceptible to neuropathy due to poor circulation. Not only that, but compression stockings allow for a more comfortable fit than regular socks and provide more significant movement without sacrificing the quality of support.
How To Prevent Diabetes Swollen Feet
Prevention is always better than treatment, so taking steps to reduce the risk of developing swollen feet is essential.
Manage your weight:
Being overweight can increase your chances of developing diabetes-related swelling in the feet, so it’s essential to maintain a healthy weight. Eating a balanced, nutrient-rich diet and regular exercise can help keep your weight under control.
Stay hydrated:
Drinking plenty of fluids throughout the day can help prevent extra fluid buildup in your feet. If you're having trouble staying hydrated, try incorporating more fresh fruits and vegetables into your diet.
Monitor your blood sugar levels:
Keeping an eye on your blood sugar levels is essential in reducing the risk of Diabetes-related swelling, as high levels can increase the fluid in your feet. Regularly testing your blood sugar levels and making necessary adjustments to your diet or medication can help keep the swelling in check.
Foods To Eat and Avoid if You Have Diabetes and Swollen Feet
Foods to Eat:
Wholegrain Foods
The consumption of whole grains is strongly associated with reduced risk of acute and chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes. Eating foods rich in fiber, such as fruits, vegetables and legumes, can help reduce the risk of developing diabetes-related swelling in the feet.
In vitro tests done on African food Teff (meaning test done in tube tests as opposed to on humans) have found that oxidative activities in Tef can improve the haemoglobin level and can potentially prevent diabetes and anaemia (Barretto et al., 2021). The ancient grain of Teff is veritable treasure trove of both calcium and vitamin C, while additionally being a source of protein.
Red teff boasts a particularly high concentration of iron and consuming Tef is reported to prevent the anaemia related to pregnancy (Ketema, 1997). Teff/Injera has a low glycemic index and load and is a safe food for diabetics.
Healthy Fats
Foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish, nuts, and seeds, can also be beneficial for reducing inflammation. The African Bambara Nut has a high content of minerals like calcium, iron, potassium and sodium (Aremu and Ibrahim, 2014). These elements serve vital functions including controlling osmotic pressures, maintenance of acid-base equilibrium, clotting of blood, normal functioning of the brain and the production of blood.
Image from Ton Rulkens
Researchers Olanipekun et al. (2012) are of the view that the oil extracted from bambara nut seeds is predominantly made of unsaturated fatty acids which are primarily used to produce hormone like substances that regulate a wide range of functions, e.g. those that could help in the prevention of obesity, cardiovascular diseases, heart attack and inflammation response to injury infections.
Nutrient Rich Foods
African teas like Zumbani tea contain minerals like potassium, calcium, magnesium, and sodium help regulate fluid balance.
Foods to Avoid:
It's essential to avoid foods that are high in sugar and saturated fats, as they can raise your blood sugar levels and increase the risk of swelling. Processed foods, refined grains, and sugary drinks should be avoided as much as possible.
Additionally, it's best to limit your intake of salt and alcohol, as these can cause fluid retention and inflammation.
Exercises To Help Reduce Swelling in the Feet Due to Diabetes
To reduce swelling in the feet, it's essential to stay active and exercise to promote better circulation.
Low-impact exercises such as walking, swimming, and cycling are great for people who suffer from diabetes-related swelling. These activities help to improve circulation and reduce the buildup of extra fluid in the feet.
Stretching exercises can also be beneficial, as they help to improve flexibility and range of motion. Additionally, light weight-bearing exercises can help to strengthen the muscles and bones in the feet, resulting in less swelling.
Medications Relieving Symptoms of Diabetes-related Foot Swelling
If lifestyle changes and exercise aren't enough to reduce the swelling in your feet, some medications can help.
Your doctor may prescribe diuretics that help to reduce the extra fluid buildup in the feet and ankles. In addition, medications such as ACE inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers can help to reduce inflammation and improve circulation.
Lastly, statins or aspirin may be recommended by your doctor for those with diabetes-related foot swelling. These drugs can help reduce cholesterol levels and blood pressure, reducing the risk of developing foot edema.
Conclusion
If you have diabetes, you must reduce your risk of developing swollen feet. Staying active, eating a healthy diet, and monitoring your blood glucose levels can all help to reduce the risk of developing diabetes-related swelling.
Just make sure to talk to your doctor about any medications that may help, and follow their instructions carefully. Speak with your dietitian about what foods to add or remove from your diet. With the proper care, you can reduce your risk of diabetes-related swelling in the feet.