Unmanaged elevated sugar levels must be avoided due to all of the complications that it accompanies. Commonly, untreated diabetes leads to edema in the feet. Due to the failure of proper blood circulation, fluid starts accumulating in the body. This occurs more often in some places than others. Diabetics most commonly experience a foot problem referred to as leg swelling. Thus, people with diabetes must be aware of a proper foot care.
There are some means by which diabetics can be relieved from the edema. These tips help in eliminating swelling and improves a patient’s overall quality of life.
1) Use good quality compression socks
Diabetic patients must wear compression socks. These make sure to exert pressure from the swollen ankle region, as a result eradicating fluid retention. Using this method, leg swelling can be decreased and blood circulation can be improved.
Generally, people with varicose veins are advised to utilize compression socks. Also, compression socks can be worn during the day and it’s better to remove them at night. They are quite similar to regular socks. Few diabetics wear them on one leg, while others on both legs. It is based upon the severity of the edema as well as the healthcare provider’s opinion.
2) Elevate feet
This also helps in eliminating the fluid accumulation in the feet. The feet can be elevated above the patient’s heart level. This allows a quick return of the fluid towards the body rather than getting accumulated in the feet, giving rise to uneasiness and inflammation. Feet elevation can be done by making use of pillows or an ottoman, based on the patient’s position. The feet can be raised whenever the patient is sitting down or lying in bed. Doing this for 10-15 minutes creates a considerable difference and improves the blood flow.
3) Weight management
Maintaining a healthy weight is very useful in avoiding a long list of medical problems. Being overweight has been found to be associated with cardiovascular problems, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure.
In patients with diabetes, being obese may also result in joint pain, enhanced leg swelling, hazardously high blood glucose levels. By managing the weight, a person may avoid many of these complications and improves his or her overall health condition. It is a must to keep an eye on the diet-practice portion control by eating more and more veggies, proteins, and healthy carbs. If you are diabetic and want to manage your diabetes then read here: Benefits of Weight Loss for Diabetes.
4) A daily exercise routine
Exercising helps in lowering inflammation, but also gives added health benefits. It helps in boosting the blood flow, improving the person’s mood, accelerating the metabolism, and much more. At least half an hour of physical exercise, about 4-5 days a week is essential.
5) Limit the consumption of salt
Diabetic patients and people with high blood pressure problems must take less salt through their diet. Salt leads to the worsening of leg swelling. In place of salty foods, opt for foods naturally low in salt, for example, fresh fruits, veggies, and unprocessed foods.
6) Stay hydrated
Drinking enough water is a key to good health. If a person wishes to improve his or her normal blood sugar levels, it’s better to increase the daily water intake. Instead of avoiding water, it’s good to make it a daily practice.
7) Consumption of a magnesium supplement
Magnesium is an essential mineral that helps in maintaining a healthy nerve function, controlling glucose levels, as well as preventing nerve damage. An average adult requires roughly 200 to 400 mg of magnesium on a daily basis. Swollen legs might be a sign of magnesium deficiency. In such a case, a person must take a magnesium supplement. Consuming more magnesium-rich foods like spinach, almonds, and pumpkin seeds is good as well.
8) Use essential oils
If a person has been trying out natural remedies, then don’t miss the use of essential oils. Using essential oils is a great help in improving a person’s blood flow, as a result lessening the present edema. Lavender oil has been one of the most useful oils in such instances, however, there are others as well including peppermint, chamomile, and eucalyptus oils. For using essential oils, a few drops are applied and are mildly massaged on the feet.
The massage movements are done in the heart’s direction to make sure that fluid starts returning to the body. For attaining an instant effect, it’s good that the patient’s partner massages his or her feet while. The movements should be kept slow and smooth to prevent damage and bruising of the skin.
Thus, feet swelling can be a threatening signal that something bigger like infection, is going on in the body. Leg swelling greatly lowers one’s quality of life. But leg swelling can be easily managed by following certain tips. All these tips have been tested out by diabetics in the past and have helped them relieve their swellings. Why not begin them now? Begin by moving for a walk and preparing a healthy meal. Get started!
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