Strange Feeling When Walking Warns You May Have Diabetes

Experts say symptoms of diabetes can appear while walking.

Notice a strange feeling in your feet when walking: Be careful because it could be an early symptom of diabetes, there may be signs that you need to take action.

The changes could be an early warning sign of diabetes - a disease that can affect blood sugar levels, circulation and nerve health, leading to symptoms that can appear during everyday walking.

Recognizing these signs early is important in controlling your health before the condition gets worse, according to health news site Healthline .

Diabetes symptoms can appear while walking, experts say

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Symptoms to look out for include tingling, burning, discomfort or throbbing in the legs, says Diabetes UK . These sensations may be worse at night. Some people may also experience leg cramps.

If the leg pain is due to peripheral artery disease, the person may experience pain when walking or doing other activities. This type of pain usually goes away with rest. There may also be painful cramps in the muscles of the hips, thighs, or calves. Foot problems such as ulcers can also cause pain or itching.

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Watch for the following potential diabetes symptoms while walking.

1. Tingling sensation in feet and legs when walking

This can be one of the early signs of diabetes. It signals peripheral neuropathy, a condition caused by high blood sugar levels damaging the nerves in your extremities. You may notice a tingling, burning, or “pins and needles” sensation in your legs and feet when you walk. At first, this may be mild and easy to ignore, but over time it can progress to widespread numbness.

Diabetes can be controlled, especially if detected early.

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2. Leg cramps after walking short distances

This can also indicate diabetic peripheral artery disease. High blood sugar can cause arteries to become narrow and stiff, reducing blood flow to the legs and feet. This can lead to pain, cramping, or a feeling of heaviness in the calves, thighs, or buttocks when walking.

3. Feeling unusually tired after walking a short distance

This could be a sign of fluctuating blood sugar levels. Both high and low blood sugar can cause severe fatigue.

Feeling tired all the time, especially when you're not doing anything strenuous, can indicate that your body isn't controlling glucose effectively - a major warning sign of diabetes.

4. Swelling in the feet and ankles after walking

This condition can also be a sign of diabetes. It can affect kidney function, leading to fluid retention and swelling in the ankles and feet. If your shoes feel tighter or your feet appear puffy after walking, this may be due to excessive fluid retention.

What should I do if I notice these symptoms?

Diabetes can be controlled, especially if caught early. Keep track of the timing and frequency of these symptoms. If you have a blood glucose meter, check your blood sugar at different times of the day. Regular exercise helps your blood circulate and regulates your blood sugar.

Proactive measures like getting regular checkups, maintaining a balanced diet, staying active, and managing stress can help prevent or control diabetes effectively, according to Healthline.