Warning signs you could be diabetic that show on your feet
Type 2 diabetes is a common health condition that many people across the UK have been diagnosed with. Knowing what warning signs might be caused by high blood sugar could help you start to tackle the issue quickly.
According to Diabetes UK, millions of people across the country have this condition. The latest figures suggest that almost 4.6 million people in the UK live with diabetes, whilst an estimated 1.3 million could be going about their daily lives yet to be diagnosed.
With that alarming figure in mind, it is important to know exactly what to look out for when you consider if you might be diabetic. The condition appears in many ways, with people rarely showing all the symptoms at once.
The most common symptoms include increased thirst, frequent urination, and fatigue. As these warning signs can be mistaken for other symptoms, many people are unaware of just how subtle they can be, which could all add up to an eventual diagnosis.
A good place to check for subtle warning signs is on your feet, as various changes can easily go unnoticed beneath socks and shoes. The condition could change the look and feel of your feet without you even realising.
People on the verge of type 2 diabetes (prediabetic), or those who may unknowingly already have the condition, might notice tingling sensations or pins and needles-like numbness. This is down to nerve damage associated with elevated blood sugar levels.
The same issue can also cause a “dull ache” or a loss of feeling in your feet or legs. Swelling is another alarming sign that will make you want to get checked out. Some other easy-to-dismiss signs also include:
- Your feet don’t sweat
- Cuts, wounds or sores that don’t heal
- Toenails that start to thicken and become more yellow
- Shiny, smooth skin on your feet
- Hair loss on your legs and feet
Getting cold feet is also a warning that your circulation is poor too and could be a sign of diabetes. This is becuase high blood sugar levels over time can damage the lining of small blood vessels, reducing blood flow.
This condition is known as peripheral artery disease (PAD), a cardiovascular disease according to the NHS. It is often diagnosed alongside patients with high cholesterol levels, too.
If you are concerned about anything, no matter how minor, it is best to get checked by a doctor as soon as possible. Acting early can sometimes make a major difference in how you are treated and could prevent conditions from getting much worse.
