What are diabetic legs?

High blood sugar (glucose) can injure nerves throughout the body. Diabetic neuropathy most often damages nerves in the legs and feet. Depending on the affected nerves, diabetic neuropathy symptoms include pain and numbness in the legs, feet and hands.

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What does diabetic legs look like?

Diabetic dermopathy appears as pink to red or tan to dark brown patches, and it is most frequently found on the lower legs. The patches are slightly scaly and are usually round or oval. Long-standing patches may become faintly indented (atrophic).

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How do you get rid of diabetic legs?

Here are nine tips to help manage and relieve diabetic leg pain.
  1. Use exercise to promote overall health. ...
  2. Eat a diabetic-friendly diet. ...
  3. Manage weight. ...
  4. Maintain appropriate blood sugar levels. ...
  5. Practice daily foot and leg care. ...
  6. Build healthier habits for compounded prevention. ...
  7. Try physical therapy.

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Can diabetic legs be cured?

Although there is no cure for diabetic neuropathy, use of these treatments can improve painful symptoms and prevent complications. (See "Management of diabetic neuropathy".) Control blood sugar levels — An important treatment for diabetic neuropathy is to control blood sugar levels.

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Where is diabetic leg pain located?

Long-term numbness or a tingling feeling in the legs and feet may be due to conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS), diabetes, peripheral artery disease, or fibromyalgia. The sensation may be felt in the whole leg, below the knee, or in different areas of the foot.

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Managing diabetic neuropathy

31 related questions found

Can you reverse diabetic leg pain?

It occurs when you have elevated blood sugar for a long period. The most common type of diabetes-related neuropathy affects your legs and feet. There is no cure for diabetes-related neuropathy. You can manage nerve pain with medication, exercise and proper nutrition.

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Is walking good for diabetic leg pain?

Aims/hypothesis: Walking is recommended as an adjunct therapy to diet and medication in diabetic patients, with the aim of improving physical fitness, glycaemic control and body weight reduction.

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Can a diabetic leg be saved?

In the last few years, the limb preservation program at UCSF has shown that many diabetes-related amputations can be avoided with a new approach to treatment. They've saved many toes and limbs – including Sammon's feet – from the grip of diabetes.

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Why do diabetics get legs?

Because of reduced blood flow, wounds may be slow to heal or not heal at all. As a result, tissue can become damaged, and an infection can develop and spread to the bones. Once this happens, amputation is often the only option to prevent more damage.

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How can diabetics strengthen their legs?

Take a "brisk" or quick walk every day for 30 minutes or more. Walk for 45 to 60 minutes if you need to lose weight. Stair Exercise: Holding a handrail for support, walk quickly up stairs on the balls or front part of your feet 5 or 10 times. Calf stretch: Keep your legs stiff and feet flat on the floor.

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Why do they cut off diabetics legs?

Most lower leg and foot removals begin with foot ulcers. An ulcer that won't heal causes severe damage to tissues and bone. It may require surgical removal (amputation) of a toe, a foot or part of a leg. Some people with diabetes are at higher risk than others.

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Does diabetes cause big legs?

Diabetes can affect your blood circulation and cause fluid to build up in the lower extremities. This buildup can cause swelling in the feet, ankles, and lower legs.

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Can diabetes mess with your legs?

Diabetes can damage nerve fibers throughout the body, but it most often affects the legs and feet. Neuropathy can be painful, debilitating, and even deadly if not treated. In other words, unmanaged diabetes severely compromises your circulatory and nervous system, which leads to a host of issues in your legs and feet.

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What part of the body itches with diabetes?

Localized itching is often caused by diabetes. It can be caused by a yeast infection, dry skin, or poor circulation. When poor circulation is the cause of itching, the itchiest areas may be the lower parts of the legs.

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What are 10 warning signs of diabetes?

Symptoms
  • Feeling more thirsty than usual.
  • Urinating often.
  • Losing weight without trying.
  • Presence of ketones in the urine. ...
  • Feeling tired and weak.
  • Feeling irritable or having other mood changes.
  • Having blurry vision.
  • Having slow-healing sores.

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How can you tell if you have diabetes by looking at your feet?

Warning Signs of Diabetic Foot Problems

Increase swelling of legs or feet. Change of skin color. Burning or tingling sensation. Lack of feeling in the feet.

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Do diabetics get skinny legs?

Not only do T2D patients have both reduced muscle recovery and strength, they also start to lose muscle mass. In fact, the longer you have diabetes, the more muscle mass you tend to lose, especially in the legs (3). InBody results for patients with T2D shows that lower body muscle mass is particularly low.

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Why can't diabetics cut toenails?

Myth: People with diabetes can't cut their own toenails

Not true: the general advice on toenail cutting applies to everyone. If you have diabetes you should keep your nails healthy by cutting them to the shape of the end of your toes.

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Can you reverse diabetes?

It's not always possible to reverse type 2 diabetes. But even if you can't get your blood sugar levels down with lifestyle changes alone and still need medication or insulin, these healthy habits help better manage your condition and may prevent complications from developing.

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Why can't diabetics go barefoot?

Diabetes can cause nerve damage, called peripheral neuropathy, that makes you lose feeling in your feet. This can be a disaster if you're walking around without foot protection. Diabetes can also compromise your circulation. Your feet are far away from your heart, and blood flow reduces to your soles, heels, and toes.

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What can I take for diabetic leg pain?

Medications. Your doctor might suggest trying an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), aspirin (Bufferin), or ibuprofen (Motrin IB, Advil), which are available without a prescription but can cause side effects. Use a low dose for a short time to control your symptoms.

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What does diabetic leg pain feel like?

Another symptom is a burning, sharp, or aching pain (diabetic nerve pain). The pain may be mild at first, but it can get worse over time and spread up your legs or arms. Walking can be painful, and even the softest touch can feel unbearable. Up to 50 percent of people with diabetes may experience nerve pain.

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How many hours should a diabetic walk?

Try to work your way to 10,000 steps per day or at least 30 minutes a day to cut your risk of type 2 diabetes. If you have trouble walking 30 minutes at a time, try walking in smaller amounts throughout the day, such as 10 minutes in the morning, afternoon, and evenings.

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How do I stop my legs from hurting when I walk?

Rest your leg as much as possible, and elevate your leg with pillows. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, to help ease discomfort as your leg heals. Wear compression socks or stockings with support.

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Can diabetics drink alcohol?

Drink in Moderation

Most people with diabetes can enjoy some alcohol. Rules are the same as for everyone else: one drink per day for women; two for men. But you need to know how alcohol affects your blood sugar. A sugary drink might spike your blood sugar.

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