Type 2 diabetes can result in limb amputation if you do not heed the warning signs before it’s too late.
A major health body is sounding the alarm over subtle changes in your feet that can alert you to life-threatening complications further down the line.
The public health warning busts a dangerous myth: that diabetes is a painless condition that can be simply ignored.
“Donât tell that to the millions of folks with diabetes-induced tingling toes or painful feet,” says Harvard Health.
A burning sensation in your extremities can also spell diabetic nerve damage
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Tingling toes or pain in the feet can signal diabetic neuropathy – a type of nerve damage that can occur if you have diabetes.
It occurs when high blood sugar – the hallmark of diabetes – injures nerves and blood vessels throughout the body.
Diabetic neuropathy can also cause the following:
- A burning sensation in your extremities
- Extreme sensitivity to touch.
“The truly scary thing about diabetic neuropathy is a 10-letter word we usually associate with horrific accidents or Civil War battlefields – amputation,” Harvard Health says.
How can diabetic neuropathy lead to amputation?
When sensory nerves in the feet become damaged, a blister, cut, or sore can go unnoticed, allowing time for the wound to become infected.
Bacterial infections can result in the death of body tissue, otherwise known as gangrene.
The bacteria can then spread quickly to other tissues and organs – this may be impossible to treat. You may need to have a body part removed (amputated) to save your life.
Regular exercise can help to keep blood sugar levels within a healthy range
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How to minimise the risks of diabetic neuropathy
You can help avoid diabetic neuropathy by keeping your blood sugar levels within your target range, which will help protect the blood vessels that supply your nerves.
According to the NHS, you can do this by:
- Cutting down on sugary or starchy food
- Finding ways to manage stress
- Exercising regularly
- Losing weight if you’re overweight
The health body recommends speaking to your care team or GP surgery if you’ve tried to lower your blood sugar but your blood sugar level is still high or you still have symptoms.
It’s also worth getting checked out if you have symptoms of high blood sugar and you have not been diagnosed with diabetes, it adds.
Sarah Carter is a health and wellness expert residing in the UK. With a background in healthcare, she offers evidence-based advice on fitness, nutrition, and mental well-being, promoting healthier living for readers.
