Peripheral edema and diabetes

Peripheral edema is the collection of fluid in the feet, ankles and legs. Additional review is required for persons who have swelling and diabetes. It can occur in one or two lower ends.

Damage to the capillaries or increased pressure can cause capillary fluid seeping into the surrounding tissues and cause swelling.

Diabetics often have circulation problems that can cause injuries to heal slowly or not at all. Edema makes it more difficult for wounds to heal. It is therefore essential to control edema.

There are several common causes of edema which are quite benign. Here are some examples of the most common causes for peripheral edema, not specifically related to diabetes, include the idle physical, standing or sitting for long periods of time, surgery, burns, hot climate, pregnancy, menstruation, menopause, birth control pills, certain drugs, excessive consumption of salt, malnutrition or poor diet.

Edema may be at an end because of the deep vein thrombosis (DVT), cellulitis, osteomyelitis, trauma, Baker cyst rupture or a lymphatic obstruction.

Peripheral edema may also be associated with more severe conditions - which many can be associated with complications of diabetes such as heart disease, venous insufficiency, hepatic and renal disease. Certain diabetes medications can also cause edema, specifically thiazolidinedione drugs Actos and Avandia.

In 2007, the Food and Drug Administration issued a security alert on Avandia and the increase in the risk of heart attack or other cardiac events. The FDA recommends doctors watch patients taking this drug for signs of a heart attack - including edema.

People with diabetes are twice as likely to have heart disease or heart failure (such as congestive heart failure). If the patient has neuropathy, symptoms of heart disease or failure may not be felt. It is important for a patient with diabetes alert their doctor when they experience signs and symptoms of edema.

Stretched skin or shiny skin. Swelling or puffiness. Edema may be between or not between, indicating different causes.

If you encounter an edema, notify your doctor so he or she may exclude serious complications. Here are some things you can do to help manage the foot and leg edema.

Raise the affected leg or foot throughout the day.Wearing support SOCKS (check with your doctor if you have a blood disease). Exercise. Follow a low sodium diet. If you have a wound, cellulitis, Dermatitis, scale or itching to ensure that they are treated in your plan of care.

Call your doctor soon if swelling is not improving, worsening, if you have a disease of the liver and the experience of swelling in your legs or abdomen, if your inflated end is red or hot, you have a fever, you notice the decrease in urine output or if you are pregnant and suddenly have moderate to severe swelling.

New edema appearance (in the two ends) bilateral or unilateral (in one end) should be assessed urgent. UNILATERAL OEDEMA MAY INDICATE AN URGENT NEED TO ASSESS FOR DVT

Call 911 if you experience shortness of breath pain or chest.