Ankle edema

[Achilles]

Well it has been about 2 weeks since I was diagnosed as a type 2 and I have been on Metformin 500 mg/day for the same time period.

I increased to 1000 mg/night tonight per my Dr.'s instructions. I've been testing about 4 X / day and the lowest reading I've had in 2 weeks was 115 mg/dL. Most mornings I wake up in the 120s. My BFG at diagnosis was 262. The highest I've been in 2 weeks was 211 taking the Met, low carb diet, and vigorous exercise almost every day.

One minor annoyance has been slight swelling (edema) around my ankles. Not a whole lot, but maybe 3 mm all the way around just my ankles. Seems to be a little worse in my left foot than the right foot. Goes away in the morning after sleep. I have an office job and sit a lot during the day. I do get up and walk around though since I work in an industrial environment. I usually walk around for 20 minutes / day at work.

No real pain associated with the swelling. I did show my Dr. during my diagnosis visit and he looked at my feet and felt a strong pulse he said.

Anyone else have this swelling in the ankles? The other thing Ive noticed is that the hair about 1/2 way down my calves to my ankles is gone. The swelling / lost hair / feeling tired all the time is what prompted me to see the Dr. suspecting diabetes in the first place.

I really want to get my BG numbers down more too. I can't seem to hit the 140 mg/dL numbers 2 hours after eating yet even though it seems like I'm just eating stir fry for dinner every night. No rice either.

[notme]

There are several post going around right now about ankle edema. It seems that this is a common problem and definitely should be addressed by your doctor.

Ankle or leg edema can be a sign of congestive heart failure, kidney problems or lack of exercise.

Many times, people with diabetes are put on hydrocholorathiazide. This drug is a simple diuretic that will reduce excess fluid in your body. A more complex diuretic, lasix can also be used.

A visit to your doctor is warranted for a fluid retention problem.

[Achilles]

There are several post going around right now about ankle edema. It seems that this is a common problem and definitely should be addressed by your doctor.

Ankle or leg edema can be a sign of congestive heart failure, kidney problems or lack of exercise.

A visit to your doctor is warranted for a fluid retention problem.

Sorry I missed the other posts. I did a search for ankle edema and didn't come up with anything.

My Dr. did look and feel my feet / calves. He ruled out congestive heart failure and said my kidney function looked good based on my blood work. Lack of exercise is something I've definitely worked on here in the past couple of weeks. Been active every day for at least 40 minutes minimum.

He's probably waiting 3 months for my next visit to evaluate my progress.

I've also tried to reduce my sodium intake. We just love that Tony's seasoning down here in Louisiana but it has a lot of sodium in it which I know can't help the situation.

The edema seemed to be a lot worse a few weeks ago prior to my diagnosis. It would leave indentions in my lower calves / muscles. Now that my BG levels are coming down though, it seems to be less and much less tingling in the feet.

Wow. I'm so new to all of this and a lot to learn so fast. Amazing how ignorant I was about this disease just 3 weeks ago but I have learned a lot in a relatively short period of time. It is still hard to accept though I'm working on it.

[beau91]

Achilles ,I have the same problem I posted in the forum Diabetes type 2 ..The thread was
Swelling Oedema
http://www.diabetesforums.com/forum/type-2-diabetes/28060-swelling-oedema.html
My problem is retention .I take Lasix has Notme wrote about My Gp prescribe Compression stockings. Try to elevate your feet when at rest.Another thing Metformin sometimes makes you swell .
http://www.mayoclinic.com/images/image_popup/r7_edema.jpg
Bye Ricky

[princesslinda]

Welcome Achilles! It does take metformin 3-4 weeks to reach optimal results, so don't be discouraged if you're not seeing the results you want immediately.

As for your ankle swelling, if your job allows, put something under your desk to elevate your feet as much as you can. Also, while resting at home, keep them elevated. You may need to get some support stockings to help with this--but don't do this until checking with your doctor.

The loss of hair on your lower legs is probably due to poor circulation.

Sounds like you're making some very positive lifestyle changes! Keep up the good work. I'm sure you'll see even better numbers soon.

[patricia52]

I have a similar problem with edema. One ankles is noticablely worse than the other. The doctors tell me it is because I had to big babies one was 8 pound the other 8 pound 15 ounces. They said that the way I carried them restricted the blood flow tomy legs and damaged my blood vessels. I take HCTZ which helps but in warm weather it is worse. Walking and a low sodium diet helps.
I don't know if this is you problem. Like some of the others have stated. edema can also be caused by other factors. Definitely need to have it checked out.

[soso]

I have swelling in my lower calves to ankle region.. All the usual suspects are ruled out.. I get quite a lot of exercise and do not have a sedentary job.
My doc has no explanation, some days mine does hurt a bit,, it is also gone by morning, so I guess it's a gravity thing. I had mine before I was DX and it is about the same..I haven't tried cutting salt, but other than Lindt choccy, I barely eat anything that comes prepared and ususally don't add salt to my food so am guessing I don't get a lot of sodium..hmm wait..cottage cheese, cheese and cream..do they have a lot of sodium?