Health bodies are urging people to be wary of some unusual symptoms that can appear in the feet signalling a dangerous condition. Diabetes is a serious and often lifelong condition that causes your blood sugar levels to become too high.
While it is not known exactly what causes type 1 diabetes, among type 2 patients this is often linked to factors such as being overweight and not exercising enough. However, it can also run in families.
As with any condition or illness the sooner you spot the symptoms of diabetes, the sooner you can seek medical help. However, these may appear in some unlikely places.
As a result of rising blood sugar levels the feet are one body part which can take on a lot of damage.
Diabetes UK explains: “Over time raised blood sugar levels, also known as blood glucose levels, can damage the small blood vessels that supply the nerves in your feet.
“This stops essential nutrients reaching the nerves. If the nerves in your feet are damaged, you can lose the feeling in your feet, known as peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage). This means you may not feel things properly and can damage your feet without noticing.
“Damaged blood vessels also reduce the blood supply to your feet, meaning you may then have problems with cuts and sores healing. You may also get cramps and pain in your legs or feet.”
The charity urges people to speak to their doctor if they notice any of the following signs:
- Tingling sensation or pins and needles like numbness
- Burning pain
- A dull ache
- Loss of feeling in your feet or legs
- Swollen feet – you might notice that putting your shoes on or walking has become more difficult
- Your feet don’t sweat
- Cuts, wounds or sores that don’t heal
- Cramp in your calves when resting or walking
- Shiny, smooth skin on your feet
- Hair loss on your legs and feet.
Diabetes can also lead to nerve damage in the toes, resulting in:
- Toes that are bent into a claw shape, known as claw toe
- The joint on your toe pointing up instead of lying flat, known as hammer toe
- A build-up of thick layers of skin on the top or sides of your toes, known as corns
- A hard lump at the bottom of the big toe on the side which causes the big toe to point at an angle, known as a bunion.
Foot amputations have become increasingly common in the UK in recent years. There were 27,465 lower limb amputations related to diabetes in England from 2015 to 2018, marking a significant increase of 18.3 percent from 2011 to 2014.
Major amputations, defined as below the knee, were up by 8.8 percent whilst minor amputations, defined as below the ankle, were up by 22.4 percent.
Diabetes UK added: “A matter of hours can make the difference between losing and keeping a foot. This is why it’s vital for all people living with diabetes to know how to look after their feet, to check them regularly to look out for the signs of foot problems and to know when to seek medical attention.”
Other symptoms of diabetes to spot include:
- Feeling very thirsty
- Peeing more frequently than usual, particularly at night
- Feeling very tired
- Weight loss and loss of muscle bulk
- Itching around the penis or vagina, or frequent episodes of thrush
- Blurred vision.
If you experience any signs of diabetes you should speak to your GP.
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