These symptoms might seem insignificant initially, but they shouldn’t be ignored. If you notice them, especially if they persist, it’s advisable to visit a doctor.
Feet and Diabetes
Our feet can also be among the first areas to show signs of diabetes. Diabetes affects blood circulation and nerve function, often causing early symptoms in the feet before anywhere else in the body. From tingling sensations to slow-healing wounds, paying attention to foot health can help detect diabetes before it leads to serious complications.
The CDC states that with diabetes, a foot ulcer could get infected and not heal properly. If an infection doesn’t improve with treatment, amputation of a toe, foot, or leg might be necessary to prevent the spread of the infection and save one’s life. In the U.S., 80% of lower limb amputations are due to diabetes complications.
The symptoms of diabetes-related foot issues are as follows:
- Pain in the legs or cramping in the buttocks, thighs, or calves during physical activity.
- Tingling, burning, or pain in the feet.
- Loss of the sense of touch or the ability to feel heat or cold well.
- A change in the shape of the feet over time.
- Loss of hair on the toes, feet, and lower legs.
- Dry, cracked skin.
- A change in the color and temperature.
- Thickened, yellow toenails.
- Fungus infections like athlete’s foot between the toes.
- A blister, sore, ulcer, infected corn, or ingrown toenail.