The charity SUGGESTS people see their GP if they notice any of the following signs:

– Tingling sensation or pins and needles-like numbness
– Burning pain
– A dull ache
– Loss of feeling in your feet or legs
– Swollen feet – you might notice that putting your shoes on or walking has become more difficult
– Your feet don’t sweat
– Cuts, wounds or sores that don’t heal
– Cramp in your calves when resting or walking
-Shiny, smooth skin on your feet
– Hair loss on your legs and feet

Diabetes can also lead to nerve damage in the toes, leading to conditions like :

– Toes that are bent into a claw shape, known as claw toe
– The joint on your toe pointing up instead of lying flat, known as hammer toe
– A build-up of thick layers of skin on the top or sides of your toes, known as corns
– A hard lump at the bottom of the big toe on the side, which causes the big toe to point at an angle, known as a bunion

In recent years, in the UK, foot amputations have become increasingly common . From 2015 to 2018, there were 27,465 lower limb amputations related to diabetes in England, marking a significant increase of 18.3 per cent from 2011 to 2014.

Major amputations, defined as below the knee, rose by 8.8 per cent, while minor amputations, defined as below the ankle, increased by 22.4 per cent.

Diabetes UK continued: “A matter of hours can make the difference between losing and keeping a foot. This is why it’s vital for all people living with diabetes to know how to look after their feet, to check them regularly to look out for the signs of foot problems and to know when to seek medical attention.”

Other symptoms of diabetes to be aware of include:

– Feeling excessively thirsty
– Urinating more frequently than usual, particularly during the night
– Experiencing severe fatigue
– Weight loss and muscle mass reduction
– Itching around the penis or vagina, or recurring episodes of thrush
Blurred vision

If you observe any signs of diabetes, it’s crucial to seek advice from your GP.