Diabetes is a common condition that affects around five million people in the UK. But many people may not even know they have diabetes. You can be in danger if you get a subtle pain in your legs.
Diabetes is a lifelong condition, and 90 percent of all cases are caused by type 2 diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes is where the body struggles to produce enough of the hormone insulin.
Insulin helps the body to convert sugar in the blood into usable energy.
But if your body does not get enough insulin, the amount of sugar in your blood starts to rise, which can lead to diabetes.
READ MORE: Type 2 diabetes symptoms – ‘dark adjustment’ can be a warning sign
“Diabetic neuropathy is a type of nerve damage that can occur if you have diabetes,” the Mayo Clinic said.
“High blood sugar can damage nerves in your body. Diabetic neuropathy damages nerves in your legs and feet.
“Depending on the affected nerves, diabetic neuropathy symptoms can range from pain and numbness in your legs and feet to problems with your digestive system, urinary tract, blood vessels and heart.
“Some people have mild symptoms. But for others, diabetic neuropathy can be quite painful and inconvenient.”
Meanwhile, other common symptoms of diabetes include more urine than normal, and you feel extremely tired.
Some people also find that they always feel thirsty even though they drink a lot of fluids.
Talk to a doctor if you are worried about the signs of diabetes.
If you diagnose the condition early, you can reduce the risk of complications with diabetes, including strokes or heart disease.