When it comes to diabetes, the first symptoms that come to people’s mind are high blood sugar, frequent thirst or frequent urination. But it is often ignored that this disease gradually starts showing its signs in the legs also. In fact, our feet bear the entire weight of the body and their health largely depends on proper blood flow and proper functioning of nerves. According to a TOI report, diabetes can affect both of these things, so sometimes its initial signs start appearing in the feet.
tingling or pins and needles in the legs
Many people feel a tingling or needle pricking sensation in their feet. Generally people consider it to be the result of sitting in the same position for a long time. But if this feeling occurs repeatedly or persists for a long time, it may be a sign of damage to the nerves. This is called peripheral neuropathy, which is a common problem related to diabetes. This tingling sensation may be felt especially at night.
Burning sensation in calves
Some people also experience a burning sensation in their calves. Sometimes it is linked to excessive movement or fatigue, but in diabetes, it can be a sign of nerves not functioning properly. Many patients report that they feel a severe burning sensation in their legs at night, as if they are feeling some kind of heat or fire.
loss of hair on legs
Sudden loss of hair on legs can also be a sign. Usually, people consider it as aging or a normal skin problem, but in diabetes, due to poor blood flow, adequate oxygen and nutrition does not reach the hair roots. Due to this, the hair on the legs gradually starts reducing or may disappear from many places.
skin color change
In some cases, the color of the skin around the ankles or calves also starts changing. It may appear as black or dark spots. Many times people mistake it for sunlight or dirt, but it can also be a sign of diabetic dermopathy. High blood sugar affects small blood vessels, causing such changes to appear in the skin.
sudden leg cramps
Sudden leg cramps at night can also be related to diabetes. Usually people associate it with lack of water or lack of minerals in the body, but sometimes it can also be due to poor blood flow or nerve problems. When not enough blood reaches the muscles, painful cramps begin.
unusually shiny skin on feet
The skin of some people’s feet starts appearing unusually shiny and tight. This condition can be caused by accumulation of fluid in the body i.e. swelling, which indicates problems related to blood flow. Apart from this, delayed healing of small scratches or wounds on the feet is also considered an important sign of diabetes, because high blood sugar affects the immune capacity of the body.
change in temperature of feet
Sometimes a change in the temperature of the feet is also felt. Some people’s feet feel unusually cold, while others feel their feet become excessively hot. This condition may be a sign of nerves and blood vessels being affected. Therefore, if such changes are seen continuously in the feet, it is important to consult a doctor in time.
