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What Causes Swelling In Legs Of A Diabetic?
hi my name is jenny and i just spoke to my mom this morning and told me that yesterday morning she woke up swollen legs she admitted in a hospital in arizona but im worried she is diabetic they told her it might be her kidneys or her heart she is also anemic and sje is going to have a blood transfusion done. should i worry?
Wed, 30 Jul 2014
Thank you for the query.
I would like to know your mother's age, duration of Diabetes, control of her diabetic status and whether she is suffering from any associated conditions like hypertension, dyslipidemia or ischemic heart disease.
Long term, poorly controlled Diabetes, can lead to diabetic nephropathy (renal impairment, raised creatinine and urea) There is loss of protein (albumin) through the kidneys, and this leads to swelling of the legs. This can be assessed by Urine for spot ACR (albumin creatinine ratio) or 24hrs urine for protein estimation.
Cardiac dysfunction and coronary artery disease are also complications of diabetes. Congestive cardiac failure may be associated, which can lead to swelling of the legs. A 12 lead ECG and echocardiography helps in the diagnosis. A number of medications are available to address this problem.
Anemia itself can cause pedal swelling. Since she is receiving blood transfusion I assume her Hemoglobin to be less than 7gm%. The cause of anemia needs to be ruled out (I am sure her doctors are assessing this problem). Anemia can arise due to chronic kidney ailments and it can aggravate heart failure.
Right now, I think you should stay in constant touch with the doctors who are monitoring her. Once the situation is stabilised and she is started on the required medications, things shall be better.
Hope this helps you.
Regards
Dr. Ayusmati Thakur
I would like to know your mother's age, duration of Diabetes, control of her diabetic status and whether she is suffering from any associated conditions like hypertension, dyslipidemia or ischemic heart disease.
Long term, poorly controlled Diabetes, can lead to diabetic nephropathy (renal impairment, raised creatinine and urea) There is loss of protein (albumin) through the kidneys, and this leads to swelling of the legs. This can be assessed by Urine for spot ACR (albumin creatinine ratio) or 24hrs urine for protein estimation.
Cardiac dysfunction and coronary artery disease are also complications of diabetes. Congestive cardiac failure may be associated, which can lead to swelling of the legs. A 12 lead ECG and echocardiography helps in the diagnosis. A number of medications are available to address this problem.
Anemia itself can cause pedal swelling. Since she is receiving blood transfusion I assume her Hemoglobin to be less than 7gm%. The cause of anemia needs to be ruled out (I am sure her doctors are assessing this problem). Anemia can arise due to chronic kidney ailments and it can aggravate heart failure.
Right now, I think you should stay in constant touch with the doctors who are monitoring her. Once the situation is stabilised and she is started on the required medications, things shall be better.
Hope this helps you.
Regards
Dr. Ayusmati Thakur
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