Leg Problems With Diabetes

Diabetes has the potential to reduce quality of life by causing damage to the body's limbs. The condition causes many leg problems including severe leg pain and it may result in amputation in severe instances.

Neuropathy

• Diabetic neuropathies are a combination of nerve disorders that are caused by high levels of fat in the body, uncontrolled blood sugar levels and hypertension. The nerve disorders have the potential to damage the legs.

Circulation

• Poor circulation narrows veins and it reduces the blood supply to the legs and feet. Burning of the lower legs and feet, severe leg pain and skin ulcers are typical complications.

Numbness

• Numbness in the legs is a very serious condition that can cause major health problems if left untreated. Restricted blood flow causes the legs not to feel pain; therefore, serious injuries, ulcers and sores often go undetected.

Skin Discoloration

• In serious cases, leg pain is accompanied by darkening skin along the legs. Redness on the feet is generally associated with this symptom.

Amputation

• If leg pain, sores and ulcers are left untreated, they can eventually lead to gangrene in the legs. Gangrene requires amputation and may result in you being confined to a wheelchair.