Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease in which the level of glucose in the blood is constantly elevated. Every day, if the condition is not controlled, more and more damage is done to the body.
According to Diabetes UK, swollen ankles are a sign of diabetic nephropathy. This is a condition where high blood sugar causes damage to the kidneys. Experts state that every fifth person with high blood sugar will develop this complication.
High blood sugar irritates the small blood vessels and filters in the kidneys, causing irritation. As a result, an abnormal amount of protein is lost in the urine. So, swollen ankles and hands indicate diabetic nephropathy.
Other signs:
- Blood in the urine
- Feeling very tired
- Shortness of breath
- General feeling of being unwell.
Edema is an accumulation of lymph in muscle tissues due to a process associated with a violation of the water-salt balance. In diabetics, fluid can be strongly retained in the body, which leads to severe swelling.
Edema increases the risk of diabetic foot, reduces quality of life and causes discomfort. Before starting treatment, you should find out why the legs swell with diabetes, and eliminate the cause that causes this phenomenon.
Many factors can affect blood sugar spikes, such as illness, stress, physical inactivity and certain foods.
Possible causes of swelling in diabetes:
- neuropathy;
- impaired blood supply to the legs due to heart failure;
- varicose veins;
- wearing tight shoes;
- changes in hormonal balance;
- malnutrition with a lot of salt;
- metabolic disorders, water-salt imbalance;
- diseases of the kidneys and excretory system;
- excess weight;
- stress, lack of sleep;
- low level of physical activity.
Common signs that your blood sugar is too high:
- Feeling very tired
- Constantly thirsty
- Blurred vision
- The need to urinate more often.
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Important! Information provided for reference purposes. Ask a specialist about contraindications and side effects and under no circumstances self-medicate. At the first sign of illness, consult a doctor.