Tingling feet, cramps, unusual fatigue and swelling in the ankles when walking can be warning signs of diabetes that you need to pay attention to.
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| Diabetes can be detected early through walking. (Source: Pixabay) |
Walking is one of the simplest and most natural activities we do every day. Whether it’s a morning stroll in the park, a brisk walk to the store, or just moving around the house, we rarely stop to think about how our bodies respond.
But if your daily steps start to feel different than before, it could be an early warning sign of diabetes, a condition that affects millions of people worldwide.
4 Major Symptoms of Diabetes That Can Appear While Walking
- Tingling in the legs and feet: One of the most common first signs of diabetes is peripheral neuropathy, when high blood sugar damages the nerves in the hands and feet.
You may experience tingling, burning, or a “pins and needles” feeling in your legs and feet when you move. At first, this feeling may be mild and easy to ignore, but over time, it often progresses to widespread numbness.
- Leg cramps: If you experience leg cramps when walking even a short distance, it could be a sign of diabetic peripheral artery disease (PAD).
High blood sugar can lead to narrowing and hardening of the arteries, restricting blood flow to the legs and feet. Reduced blood flow causes pain, cramping or heaviness in the calves, thighs or buttocks, especially when walking.
- Unusual fatigue: Feeling tired or weak after walking a short distance can be a sign of changes in blood sugar levels. Both high (hyperglycemia) and low (hypoglycemia) blood sugar can cause severe fatigue.
If you always feel tired even though your work doesn't require much effort, it could be a sign that your body isn't controlling glucose effectively - a significant warning sign of diabetes.
- Swelling in the feet and ankles: Diabetes can affect kidney function, leading to fluid retention that causes swelling in the ankles and feet. If your shoes suddenly feel tighter or your feet swell after walking, your body may be struggling with excess water retention.
Why does this happen?
Diabetes can damage the small blood vessels that supply oxygen to nerves, making it harder for them to function properly. If left unchecked, neuropathy can get worse, leading to loss of feeling.
Because diabetic neuropathy can cause numbness, you may not feel small injuries when they happen. This means that a small cut or blister from walking can turn into a serious infection without you knowing it.
Regular foot checks and wearing comfortable, well-fitting shoes can help prevent complications.
What to do if you experience these signs?
Diabetes can be controlled, especially if caught early. Keep track of the timing and frequency of these symptoms as you walk. If you have a blood glucose meter, check your blood sugar several times a day.
Regular exercise promotes proper circulation and blood sugar regulation. Supportive footwear can help prevent injury and discomfort.
Taking proactive steps such as getting regular health checkups, maintaining a balanced diet, staying active and managing stress, can effectively prevent or control diabetes.
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