Peripheral edema is swelling in the feet, ankles, and legs.
Fluid can build up when tiny blood vessels are damaged or when they leak into surrounding tissues.
The result is swelling.
Verywell / Emily Roberts
People withdiabetesoften have problems with blood flow.
When blood doesn’t circulate well, wounds heal slowly or not at all.
Swelling makes it harder for wounds to heal.That’s why it’s so important to control it.
This article explains how diabetes and other health conditions could cause your lower legs to swell.
It also offers some advice on how to treat it and when to get medical care.
Diabetes can increase the risk of each of these conditions.
Somediabetes medications, like Actos (pioglitazone), can cause swelling.
They may also cause heart problems.
These medications should not be used by anyone withcongestive heart failure.
People with diabetes are twice as likely to have heart disease or heart failure.
Recap
Swollen legs or feet may or may not be related to diabetes.
Your diet, activity level, hormone changes, and even the weather can make you swell up.
Other health conditionssome of them seriouscould be the reason.
To find out why you’re swelling, see your healthcare provider.
Edema in only one leg could be a sign of DVT, which may be life-threatening.
Call 911 if you have shortness of breath or chest pain.
Summary
Peripheral edema is fluid buildup in your lower legs or feet.
If you have diabetes, changes to your blood vessels may be partly to blame for swelling.
Your medications or related health conditions could also cause the problem.
It’s possible that something besides diabetes is making your lower legs swell.
To find out for sure, talk it over with your healthcare provider.
Don’t ignore swelling in your feet or lower legs because a serious health condition could be developing.
Frequently Asked Questions
People with diabetes often retain water.
Diabetes itself might or might not be the cause.
Fluid retention is a sign of heart failure and kidney damage.
Both can affect people with diabetes.The diabetes medication Actos (pioglitazone) can also cause fluid buildup.
Gravity makes lower-leg swelling worse.
To reduce it, raise the affected foot or feet.
If swelling keeps coming back, try cutting the amount of sodium in your diet.
If your feet sometimes swell but it goes away overnight, there’s probably no cause for concern.
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National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
