Strange feeling when walking warns you may have diabetes

Experts say symptoms of diabetes can appear while walking.

Notice any unusual sensations in your legs while walking: Be careful, as this could be an early symptom of diabetes, and there may be signs that require action.

These changes could be early warning signs of diabetes – a disease that can affect blood sugar levels, circulation, and nerve health, leading to symptoms that may appear during everyday walks.

Early recognition of these signs is crucial for managing your health before it worsens, according to the health news website Healthline .

Experts say that symptoms of diabetes can appear while walking.

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Diabetes UK states that symptoms to watch out for include tingling, burning, discomfort, or sharp pain in the legs. These sensations may worsen at night. Some people may also experience leg cramps.

If leg pain is due to peripheral artery disease, the patient may experience pain when walking or doing other activities. This type of pain usually subsides with rest. Painful cramps in the hip, thigh, or calf muscles may also occur. Foot problems such as ulcers can also cause pain or itching.

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Pay attention to the following potential symptoms of diabetes while walking.

1. A tingling sensation in the feet and lower legs when walking.

This could be one of the early signs of diabetes. It signals peripheral neuropathy, where high blood sugar damages the nerves in the extremities. You might notice tingling, burning, or "pins and needles" sensations in your legs and feet when walking. Initially, this may be mild and easily overlooked, 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 could also indicate diabetic peripheral artery disease. High blood sugar levels can cause arteries to narrow and stiffen, reducing blood flow to the legs and feet. This can lead to pain, cramping, or a heavy feeling 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.

If you constantly feel tired, especially when you're not doing anything strenuous, it could indicate that your body isn't controlling glucose effectively – a significant 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 water retention and causing swelling in the ankles and feet. If your shoes feel tighter or your feet seem swollen after walking, it could be due to excessive water retention.

What should you do if you notice these symptoms?

Diabetes can be controlled, especially if detected early. Monitor the timing and frequency of these symptoms. If you have a blood glucose meter, measure your blood sugar at several different times throughout the day. Regular exercise helps improve blood circulation and regulate blood sugar levels.

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