Dangerous signal: how to recognize complications of diabetes

Numbness of the feet, burning in the feet, cramps and pain in the legs are often attributed to fatigue or age-related changes. But in the case of diabetes, such symptoms are a serious signal: high sugar can damage nerves and blood vessels, triggering the development of diabetic polyneuropathy. Russian nutritionist Olga Pavlova told about how to recognize the problem, writes sb.by.

Olga Pavlova listed the frequent symptoms that indicate that sugar has damaged nerves and blood vessels:

- Numbness of the legs. Also, the feeling of “goosebumps”, sand or as if a sock is on the leg, although it is naked. In addition, problems may indicate burning and a feeling of heat in the feet, chilliness and a constant feeling of cold in the legs, pain even from a light touch, dull or pulling pain in the legs and feet at night, cramps in the calves. Also, symptoms may be a decrease in sensitivity (do not immediately notice hot water, a pebble in shoes), weakening of reflexes, shaky gait.

Olga Pavlova stressed that the loss of sensitivity in the feet is especially dangerous: a person ceases to notice minor injuries - rubbing, wounds, pebbles in shoes, burns. In diabetes, such injuries heal poorly and can quickly turn into ulcers, which leads to the development of a diabetic foot.

The nutritionist told why sugar affects blood vessels:

- Due to high blood sugar levels, blood vessels and nerve fibers suffer: transmission of nerve impulses is disrupted, polyneuropathy develops. Accelerate this process can deficiency of important substances - magnesium, folic acid, vitamins D and B12.

Do not delay a visit to a specialist if you notice:

Change in the color of the feet - paleness with a bluish tint (a sign of ischemia) or a reddish-blue color (a sign of venous stagnation). Persistent change in foot temperature, pronounced coldness of the legs. Non-healing skin damage: diaper rash, cracks, cuts, calluses, sores. Suddenly there was a sharp pain.

The good news is that in the early stages, many changes are reversible - the main thing is to start acting in time and be sure to consult a doctor.

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