What Causes Swelling And Pain In Lower Legs And Ankles While On Lantus?

Posted on Sat, 2 Apr 2016

Question: i have started taking Lantus two weeks ago as I couldnt get me Blood sugar levels down with Januvia and Metformin. They are coming down slowly, but not as much as I would have expected. I am experiencing swelling in both my lower legs and my ankles, particularly the left ankle for no apparent reason. I am not over weight and am continuing to exercise, but I am in pain and have just taken pain meds, which I usually avoid.
Any suggestions?

Answered by Dr. Praveen Jeyapathy (59 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Rule out charcot foot

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for writing to HCM. Noted the contents.

Well, please titrate the dose of lantus. Increase it by 3 units every three days until your fasting sugar is less than 130 mg/dl (7.2 mmol)

Insulin can contribute to some swelling in some patients but it will improve with time. Since there is swelling in both the legs there are a few things you need to evaluate - your kidneys (rule out albumin in the urine), heart (if you are quite active with no effort intolerance you should be ok most of the time) and liver (get a lft done), thyroid function as well.

In all the above conditions, the swelling will be equal in both legs. Since you mentioned that its significant in the left ankle and in view of diabetes you will surely need to rule out charcot foot with a clinical examination, X-ray/MRI of the ankle.

I will be glad to answer if you have any more queries.
Regards
Dr Praveen

Note: For further follow-up, discuss your blood glucose reports with our diabetologist. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina