Dr. Hossam Mowafy: Swelling of the Extremities May Indicate Serious Diseases for Diabetics
Swelling of the extremities in diabetics: A symptom not to be ignored
Hossam Mowafy reveals 3 serious diseases behind it
Dr. Hossam Mowafy, professor of critical care medicine at Kasr Al-Ainy Faculty of Medicine, revealed that swelling of the extremities is a common symptom affecting diabetics, but it could also be an indicator of more serious diseases that should not be ignored.
During his program "Rabbi Zidni Ilman" on Sada El-Balad Channel, Mowafy explained that the primary cause of swelling of the hands or feet in diabetics may be poor kidney function.
He attributed this to a lack of protein in the blood, resulting from kidney damage and the loss of their ability to retain proteins during the process of filtering waste, leading to protein leakage into the urine.
He advised patients to undergo a urine protein test, noting that a high level indicates a kidney problem. He added, "When protein is low in the urine, another possibility must be considered."
The second cause, according to Mowafy, is fatty liver disease, where the accumulation of fat in the liver weakens its ability to produce proteins, leading to decreased protein levels in the blood and swelling. He emphasized that neglecting fatty liver disease can lead to cirrhosis, warning against neglecting medical follow-up.
Mowafy pointed to a third possible cause: right-sided heart failure. This weakness leads to fluid congestion in the extremities, especially the hands and feet, causing them to swell significantly.
He concluded by emphasizing that right-sided heart failure can be easily diagnosed using an ultrasound or stethoscope. He urged diabetics not to ignore this symptom and to thoroughly examine the underlying causes to avoid complications.
