It might sound strange, but some telltale signs of a potentially dangerous blood sugar-related health condition could appear on the feet. Diabetes is a serious and typically lifelong condition that causes your blood sugar levels to become too high.
It affects more than four million people in the UK, with health experts warning even more might be living with the condition without realising.
As with any medical issue, the sooner you spot the symptoms the sooner you can get the treatment you need.
Some of these signs are fairly well-known, such as increased thirst and fatigue. However, others are less so and can appear in some unlikely places.
The Cleveland Clinic, in the US, warns that some warning signs of diabetes can appear in the feet.
“If you have diabetes, you’re at increased risk of foot conditions and complications, like open sores and infections,” it explains.
If left untreated, these can turn serious, the clinic warns. “If you develop foot issues, see your healthcare provider as soon as possible,” it says. “Early treatment is key to preventing serious complications.”
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Examples of foot and toe conditions linked to diabetes include:
- Cuts, ulcers, burns and blisters that don’t heal
- Dry, cracked skin
- Corns and calluses
- Fungal infections, like athlete’s foot and toenail fungus
- Ingrown toenails
- Hammertoes and bunions.
People are most at risk of foot conditions and complications if they have poor circulation or diabetes-related neuropathy.
The clinic says: “Diabetes-related neuropathy happens when you experience nerve damage due to persistently high blood sugar (hyperglycemia).”
Of these symptoms, ulcers are the most common, with around 15 percent of diabetes patients experiencing them.
The clinic says: “The ulcers typically develop in areas where your foot repeatedly rubs or presses against shoes or other surfaces.
“Ulcers can lead to infections. Sometimes, the infection doesn’t go away, and you may need to have part of your foot or toe surgically removed (amputated).”
It recommends seeing a doctor as soon as possible if you experience any numbness, ingrown toenails, yellow nails, sores that won’t heal, pain or cracked skin.
“It’s essential to get medical help for diabetes-related foot conditions. Don’t try to treat them yourself,” the clinic adds.
Other symptoms of diabetes to be aware of, according to the NHS, include:
- Feeling very thirsty
- Urinating 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.
