Diabetes specialist shares warning sign of condition which can worsen at night

11 February 2024 , 14:30

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It's important to contact your GP as soon as possible if you're experiencing symptoms of diabetes (stock photo) (Image: Getty Images)

Many Brits will go untreated for years before getting a diabetes diagnosis, so it's important to be aware of all the symptoms.

In the UK, more than 90 per cent of all adults with diabetes have the type 2 version of the condition, and with lack of awareness around the early warning signs, lots of cases go undiagnosed. Side-effects such as feeling very tired or weight loss can often go unnoticed, or blamed on other health issues.

Now, an expert has warned of one particular complication of the condition that can worsen at night time when we're more likely to be inactive: diabetic neuropathy.

Diana Bytyqi is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) and endocrine specialist - commonly referred to as The Voice of Diabetes online. In a recent TikTok video, the expert explains that having 'burning pain, numbness or a tingling sensation' in the feet or toes could be a sign of diabetic neuropathy - which is where the condition is damaging the nerves

She says this normally starts in the toes and can gradually move up to the calf area. It can also affect the hands once the condition has progressed and can cause 'excruciating pain' to the sufferer by simply touching the area.

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"Normally this is worse when you're resting," Bytyqi added. "So, bed time is usually a problem with diabetic neurology because you're not moving." She says exercise usually helps alleviate the discomfort.

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Leading charity Diabetes UK says diabetic neuropathy can't be reserved and once the nerves have been damaged - they are unable to repair themselves. However, the burning and numbness symptoms can be treated with medication, and keeping your cholesterol and blood pressure at a healthy range can also reduce the level of discomfort.

According to the NHS, another diabetes sign that occurs more often at night time is 'peeing more frequently than usual'. If you're experiencing this or any of the following symptoms, you should visit your GP as soon as possible:

• Feeling very thirsty
• Feeling very tired
• Weight loss and loss of muscle bulk
• Itching around the penis or vagina,
• Frequent episodes of thrush
• Blurred vision

Liam Gilliver