Diabetes type 2 symptoms: Four serious foot problems that indicate blood sugar damage

Type 2 diabetes can be a 'devastating diagnosis' says expert

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Type 2 diabetes describes what happens when your insulin production is not functioning properly. Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood sugar – the main type of sugar in your blood. Consistently high blood sugar levels can cause a cascade of problems, which usually start in the feet.

High blood sugar can lead to nerve damage called diabetic neuropathy.

According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), peripheral nerve damage is the most common type of nerve damage for people with diabetes.

“It generally starts in the feet, usually in both feet at once,” explains the CDC.

Foot ulcers, infections, and bone and joint pain are telltale signs, says the health body.

It adds: “You may not notice pressure or injuries causing blisters or sores, which can lead to infections, sores that don’t heal, or ulcers.”

How to respond

According to the NHS, you should see a GP if you have any of the symptoms of type 2 diabetes or you’re worried you may have a higher risk of getting type 2 diabetes.

“You’ll need a blood test, which you may have to go to your local health centre for if it cannot be done at your GP surgery,” explains the health body.

What’s more, the earlier diabetes is diagnosed and treatment started, the better.

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As the NHS points out, early treatment reduces your risk of other health problems.

How to treat diabetic neuropathy

The primary response to diabetic neuropathy is to stabilise your blood sugar levels.

Diet offers the most robust countermeasure against high blood sugar levels.

There’s nothing you cannot eat if you have type 2 diabetes, but you’ll have to limit certain foods.

Starchy foods, such as potatoes, rice, pasta and bread, are particularly risky.

“They all contain carbohydrate, which is broken down into glucose and used by our cells as fuel,” warns Diabetes UK.

As the health body explains, the problem with some starchy foods is that it can raise blood glucose levels quickly, which can make it harder for you to manage your diabetes.

These foods rank high on the glycaemic index – a rating system for foods containing carbohydrates.

It shows how quickly each food affects your blood sugar (glucose) level when that food is eaten on its own.

Low or medium GI foods are broken down more slowly and cause a gradual rise in blood sugar levels over time.

They include:

• Some fruit and vegetables
• Pulses
• Wholegrain foods, such as porridge oats.

“If you’ve been advised to make changes to your diet, or you need advice, a diabetes dietitian can help you work out a diet plan,” adds the NHS.

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