Suman Devi Suman Devi Asked 7 months ago

Can diabetes cause swelling legs?

My legs and ankles have been swelling up quite a lot, especially by the evening, and it's making them heavy and uncomfortable. I've had diabetes for a very long time. Is it possible that my diabetes is causing this swelling in my legs?

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7 answers

Riya Sen Riya Sen Joined Mar 2026 7 months ago
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Yes, leg swelling can definitely happen with diabetes, and it can be so uncomfortable, especially when trying to wear shoes. Try to keep your feet elevated on a pillow when you are sitting or sleeping. But please do mention this to your doctor during your next visit so they can check your circulation.

Nikhil Kamath Nikhil Kamath Joined Jan 2026 7 months ago

I track my daily steps and water intake religiously, and I noticed my legs swell if my salt intake is high or if my sugar levels are fluctuating. Using compression socks really helps improve circulation during long working hours. Still, definitely get your kidney function tests (KFT) done to be safe.

Arjun Khanna Arjun Khanna Joined Apr 2026 7 months ago

Leg swelling in diabetic patients is not something you should take lightly. It can be a warning sign of kidney issues or heart strain, which are common complications. Skip any self-remedies and book an appointment with your nephrologist or physician to get it evaluated properly.

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Consult a endocrinologist

Sita Lakshmi Sita Lakshmi Joined Feb 2026 7 months ago

I struggle with leg swelling too when my blood sugar runs high for a few days. I have to be very strict with my low-sodium diet and keep my sugar levels in range. Please monitor your daily readings closely and show them to your doctor to see if your medication needs adjustment.

Ramachandra Prasad Ramachandra Prasad Joined Feb 2026 7 months ago

Beta, swelling in the legs often happens when there is water retention, which is common in diabetes. You can try soaking your feet in warm water with a little rock salt for some comfort, but do not ignore this. Please visit your doctor to check your kidneys and heart health.

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Suresh Deshmukh Suresh Deshmukh Joined Feb 2026 7 months ago

I ignored the swelling in my lower legs for months, which eventually led to poor circulation and a painful ulcer that took half a year to heal. Uncontrolled diabetes damages the veins, so please don't wait like I did. Go see a vascular specialist or your diabetologist right away.

Meera Nair Meera Nair Joined May 2026 5 months ago

Leg swelling, or edema, is a known side effect of both uncontrolled diabetes and certain diabetic medications. It is very important to get a balanced medical opinion rather than trying to treat it yourself. Your physician can easily identify the root cause and adjust your prescription safely.

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