This Morning: Type 2 diabetes can be 'devastating' says expert
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Type 2 diabetes can seem harmless at first glance because the symptoms do not necessarily make you feel unwell. In fact, a person can live with the chronic condition for years without knowing it. Diabetes only tends to assert itself when blood sugar levels are consistently high and when this occurs a number of unusual symptoms may occur to the feet.
Having diabetes means a person is at much greater risk of developing problems with their feet.
This is because raised blood glucose, also known as blood sugar, can damage the sensation in the feet.
It can also affect circulation, which can lead to getting less blood supply to the feet.
Without a good blood supply, a person may have problems with cuts and sores healing, and they may also get cramps and pain in the legs or feet.
If you don’t get these problems treated, they could lead to foot ulcers, infections and, at worst, amputations.
Foot drop
According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), nerve damage can lead to unilateral foot drop – a complication whereby the foot can’t be picked up.
“It occurs from damage to the peroneal nerve of the leg by compression or vessel disease,” explains the ADA.
The peroneal nerve is a branch of the sciatic nerve, which supplies movement and sensation to the lower leg, foot and toes.
According to the Mayo Clinic, treatment for foot drop depends on the cause.
“If the cause is successfully treated, foot drop might improve or even disappear,” explains the health body.
In the case of type 2 diabetes, stabilising blood sugar levels will be integral to this effort.
Other unusual signs of high blood sugar found in the feet include:
Dryness and fissuring of skin
Reduced touch sensation in the foot
Unsteadiness and feeling or walking on cotton wool
Calf pain triggered by walking
Presence of toe deformities and skin callus formation
Skin ulceration and foot gangrene.
Lifestyle changes are usually recommended to bring blood sugar levels down to keep the risks of diabetes at bay.
There are two key components to blood sugar control – eating a healthy, balanced diet and regular exercise.
A common misconception about type 2 diabetes is that you need to avoid eating certain foods.
There’s technically nothing you cannot eat if you have type 2 diabetes, but you’ll have to limit certain foods.
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