Diabetes: This sensation in your feet could be a sign you have the common condition

According to the national charity Diabetes UK, 4.3 million people are now living with a diagnosis of the condition in the country. Another 2.4 million are at an increased risk of developing type 2 based on blood sugar levels.

Diabetes can be hard to spot in its early stages as its symptoms - tiredness, increased urination, or feeling unusually thirsty - can be mistaken for ageing or a wide range of other health problems.

The doctors are now warning that there is one less usual high blood sugar sign you shouldn't ignore.

A strange pain in your feet that can feel like numbness, tingling or burning can be a symptom of diabetes. Here’s all you need to know.

Meanwhile, these 3 proven wayscan decrease the risk of diabetes.

Also, here are other reasons why your hands and feet are tingling.

Tingling in your feet can be a dangerous diabetes symptom

Diabetes type 2 means that your body struggles to react to the hormone insulin, or the pancreas doesn't produce enough insulin.

As high blood sugar can cause nerve damage, particularly in the hands, feet and legs, some patients start to develop strange pain in their limbs.

Those who suffer describe it as numbness, tingling or burning pain.

As the nerve damage progresses, the feet could become extremely sensitive to the touch, with some patients even struggling to put their feet under a bedsheet as the pain becomes so intense.

If you develop unusual tingling pain in your feet that won't go away, or interrupts your daily routine, speak to a doctor immediately.

Read more:

⋙ This diabetes drug could help with weight loss

⋙ These 4 teas that help reduce the risk of diabetes

Here’s why you shouldn't ignore strange sensations in your feet

Doctors warn that if the pain is left untreated, the nerve damage could develop even further triggering more health complications.

There is a risk that you might have a cut or sore that goes unnoticed and fails to heal subsequently becoming infected.

The Mayo Clinic said:

Nerve damage can cause a loss of feeling in the feet, so even minor cuts can turn into sores or ulcers without being noticed.

In severe cases, an infection can spread to the bone or lead to tissue death. Removal [amputation] of a toe, foot or even part of the leg may be necessary.

Although pain in your feet is common and can indicate many conditions, if combined with other diabetes-typical symptoms such as frequent urination and unusual thirst, is a reason for concern.

A quick blood test could be enough to reveal your risk of diabetes.

Read more:

⋙ The time you sleep could increase risk of diabetes and other chronic diseases

⋙ Diabetes: Common virus linked to development of type 2 diabetes

Sources used:

- Mirror: 'Diabetes symptoms include an unusual tingling pain in your feet you should never ignore'

- Diabetes UK: 'How many people in the UK have diabetes?'