In addition to it being a common symptom for diabetics, researchers have discovered an early warning sign of pre-diabetes – burning, tingling or numbness in the hands and feet. They suggest that close monitoring of blood sugar levels, changes in lifestyle, weight loss and exercise may prevent nerves from being further damaged, which is what leads to these symptoms. It may also reverse the damage in some cases.
Helpful Suggestions for Diabetes and Burning Feet
People who have diabetes, feet burning sensations, painfully hot feet or numb toes are likely suffering from peripheral neuropathy, which is nerve damage. This is especially common in those middle-aged and older. For those who have diabetes, burning hot feet likely indicates a need to control your blood sugar and pay attention to your diet. A good treatment for diabetes and burning feet is walking or massaging the feet to help circulation. To relieve burning feet and diabetes, people should also change their shoes and socks immediately after walking, and to soak their feet in cool (but not cold) water. If you have diabetes, burning feet can be very serious, so tell your doctor, and report if you also have tingling or numbness in any parts of your body.
Diabetes and Burning Eyes
For people with diabetes, burning in the eyes, along with itching, a scratchy sensation, light sensitivity and blurred vision, is a common problem. Known as “dry eye,” diabetics have a 50% chance of suffering from this condition. It is caused by damage to the nerves that controls the tear gland. This can be prevented as with all other diabetes symptoms, by controlling blood sugar levels. However, keeping the eyes well lubricated with artificial tears may help relieve the irritation and dryness. Foods or supplements with omega-3 fatty acids have been proven to increase tear production. A room humidifier may be helpful as well.
Diabetes and Burning Mouth
As a symptom of diabetes, burning mouth syndrome causes pain that can affect not just your mouth, but also lips, tongue, cheeks, and gums. It feels like you scalded your mouth with some hot liquid, and may be accompanied by tingling or numbness, increased thirst, and changes or loss of taste. For those with diabetes, burning in the mouth is typically caused by damage to the nerves that control pain and taste. In addition to controlling glucose levels, there are other suggestions to help those with diabetes and burning mouth syndrome. Frequently sip water (you should be doing this anyway), suck on small chips of ice, and avoid spicy foods, alcohol and highly acidic foods like citrus fruits and juices. You should also avoid all tobacco products, and brush your teeth with baking soda and water.
