By the time they realize they have diabetes, complications may have already set in.

According to the latest data published by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), as of 2021, there were approximately 537 million diabetes patients worldwide, with the majority suffering from type 2 diabetes.

Many people ignore abnormal blood sugar levels, avoiding medical treatment, while others, after being diagnosed, fail to manage their blood sugar properly, leading to dangerous complications.

Diabetes is a chronic disease. A temporary rise in blood sugar may not harm you immediately, but consistently high blood sugar levels over months or years can cause severe damage to the body. The most frightening aspect of diabetes is its complications—once vital organs are damaged, they cannot be restored. Many diabetic patients suffer from blindness, cardiovascular diseases, or even limb amputations.

To avoid such complications, it is crucial to detect abnormal blood sugar levels as early as possible.

Fortunately, the feet are often regarded as a "blood sugar meter." When blood sugar is not well controlled, the feet are among the first to send warning signals.

Here are five unusual foot symptoms that may indicate abnormal blood sugar levels, warranting immediate medical attention:

1. Numbness in the Feet

High blood sugar can severely damage nerves, leading to diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Once neuropathy sets in, it is irreversible, and patients may experience numbness in their feet.

If left unchecked, this numbness can worsen, making people feel as though their feet are no longer part of their body.

Additionally, patients may lose sensitivity to temperature and pain. As a result, they may not notice extremely hot water, increasing the risk of burns when soaking their feet.

2. Leg Cramps

High blood sugar can significantly harm blood vessels. Poorly controlled diabetes can lead to arteriosclerosis within a year or two, causing plaque buildup and narrowing of blood vessels.

Because the feet are far from the heart and often remain in the same position for long periods when sitting or lying down, they are more prone to vascular diseases.

When the blood vessels in the legs narrow, patients may experience frequent leg cramps. The problem becomes more severe at night, especially in colder temperatures, when blood vessels contract further, exacerbating ischemia (reduced blood supply) and oxygen deficiency.

3. Itchy Feet

Diabetes patients often experience itchy feet, mistakenly believing it to be eczema. They may visit multiple dermatologists and use various anti-itch medications, but symptoms persist. The real culprit is poor blood sugar control.

Uncontrolled blood sugar and a weakened immune system increase the risk of skin infections, such as folliculitis, boils, bacterial infections, and fungal infections, including athlete’s foot and nail fungus, which cause persistent itching.

Additionally, nerve damage caused by high blood sugar can lead to abnormal sensations, while dysfunction in sweat and sebaceous glands may cause skin changes, further contributing to itchiness.

4. Slow or Non-Healing Foot Wounds

As previously mentioned, diabetes patients are more susceptible to foot injuries because of reduced sensitivity to temperature. They may suffer burns without realizing it.

Once a wound appears on the foot, it tends to heal very slowly—or not at all.

This is because diabetes weakens the immune system, allowing bacteria to accumulate on the wound. At the same time, high blood sugar damages blood vessels, reducing blood supply and further impairing the healing process.

5. Skin Discoloration on the Legs

Many diabetes patients develop pigmentation or dark spots on the lower legs. This is often due to skin infections or scars left from previous blisters.

In some cases, vascular damage in the legs can also lead to skin discoloration.

Conclusion: If you frequently experience these unusual foot symptoms, it is essential to check your blood sugar levels and seek medical advice promptly. Early detection and management of diabetes can help prevent severe complications and improve quality of life.