Be aware of diabetes if you experience any of these four conditions while walking:
1. Excessive fatigue when walking
Usually, walking is a relaxing activity that improves endurance, but if you feel exhausted and drained after only a few short steps, it could indicate sudden spikes or drops in blood sugar levels.
When blood sugar is unstable, cells in the body don’t receive enough energy, leading to decreased endurance and prolonged fatigue.
Consult a doctor for blood sugar tests and dietary advice. Adopting a healthy diet, controlling blood sugar through reduced sugar intake, and increasing fiber can help balance energy levels and alleviate walking-induced fatigue.
Illustration of excessive fatigue while walking
2. Numbness, tingling, or cramps in the legs
If you frequently experience numbness, tingling, or cramping in your legs while walking, it could be a sign of diabetic neuropathy.
Prolonged high blood sugar can damage peripheral nerves, hindering signal transmission to muscles and skin. This makes individuals prone to cramps, pain, or loss of sensation during walks.
Untreated, this condition can lead to foot ulcers or infections, increasing the risk of amputation. To improve this, maintain a healthy diet, control weight, and engage in light exercises to enhance blood circulation.
Doctors may prescribe medication for nerve damage or recommend vitamin B complex to enhance nerve function.
3. Prolonged muscle aches
If you experience persistent muscle aches after walking, even with low-intensity exercise, it suggests your body struggles to convert glucose into energy effectively.
In this case, doctors may recommend fasting blood sugar tests or HbA1c tests to diagnose diabetes.
Controlling blood sugar through a healthy diet and regular exercise can alleviate walking-induced muscle pain.
Illustration of prolonged muscle aches
4. Slow-healing foot wounds
If you notice small scratches or blisters on your feet after walking that take a long time to heal, it could indicate poor blood circulation due to diabetes.
High blood sugar damages small blood vessels, impairing the body’s healing ability. When combined with poor nerve function and reduced blood flow, the risk of foot infections and tissue death increases.
Doctors often advise diabetic patients to inspect their feet regularly, avoid injuries, and maintain meticulous foot care.
Controlling blood sugar through medication, diet, and exercise can improve wound healing.
These abnormal signs during walking, such as excessive fatigue, numbness, prolonged muscle aches, and slow-healing wounds, could be early warnings of diabetes that shouldn’t be ignored.
Early detection and treatment are crucial for effective diabetes management and reducing the risk of severe complications.
Therefore, if you experience any of these symptoms, consult a doctor, undergo necessary tests, and adopt a healthier lifestyle to protect your long-term well-being.
Who Should Avoid Eating Pumpkin?
Pumpkin is a delicious and nutritious vegetable with a plethora of health benefits. However, it may not be suitable for everyone.
“5 Health Conditions That Are a No-Go With Bread”
Bread is a familiar and tasty food, but it is not suitable for everyone.
Delicious Dragon Fruit: But These 5 Groups Should Avoid It
The lychee season is upon us, and these sweet treats are hard to resist. But before you indulge, it’s important to know that lychees may not be suitable for everyone. Let’s delve into this further and explore why.
A Hearty Breakfast of Sticky Rice: A Cheap and Filling Meal, But A Big No-No For These 5 Groups
“Sticky rice is a popular breakfast dish for many. However, this starchy treat is not suitable for everyone, and some may need to avoid it to maintain their health.”
Super Greens: 4 Powerful Health Benefits of Eating Lettuce Daily for 3 Months
“Load up on Lettuce: Discover the Compelling Reasons to Boost Your Health”
A healthy diet is about to get a whole lot greener. Uncover the compelling reasons why you should be eating more lettuce to enhance your overall wellness. This leafy green vegetable is about to become your new health hero!
