Persistent Swelling should never be dismissed as just
another symptom of Diabetes. If you have Diabetes and notice swelling around your ankles or feet, there
could be several reasons behind it. Some are relatively simple to manage, while
others need medical attention.
Let me explain two common reasons:
1. Your medications could be responsible
Certain diabetes medicines like pioglitazone and sometimes insulin, BP
medicines like amlodipine, certain painkillers, steroids, and even medications
like pregabalin or gabapentin used for neuropathy can cause swelling in your
feet.
The good news is that medication-related swelling can often improve once your
doctor reviews and adjusts your treatment.
Please don’t stop or change any medication on your own.
2. Your Lymphatic drainage or Venous circulation may not be working
efficiently
We all know that the heart pumps blood through arteries and veins carry it
back.
But there is another important system called the lymphatic system, which helps
remove excess fluid from our tissues.
Unlike blood circulation, lymphatic drainage depends heavily on muscle
movement. This explains why some people notice swelling after sitting in a car for hours,
taking a long flight, or spending most of the day without moving.
My advice is
- Get up and walk for 2–3 minutes every 30–60 minutes.
- Practice calf raises and ankle rotations.
- Elevate your legs when resting, if comfortable and medically appropriate.
If your veins are not functioning properly or you notice prominent varicose
veins, please get them examined. And remember, ankle swelling in someone with diabetes can sometimes indicate
kidney or heart problems, too. Sudden swelling, especially in one leg, or
swelling accompanied by breathlessness or chest pain needs urgent medical
attention. The earlier we identify the cause, the better we can address it.