When to worry about numbness and tingling with type 2 diabetes

High blood glucose over time can injure nerves, especially those supplying the feet and lower legs. You may notice burning, pins and needles, reduced pain or temperature awareness, or discomfort that is worse at night. Loss of feeling can allow a small cut or blister to worsen without being noticed.

Inspect your feet every day, including between the toes, and report breaks in the skin, colour change, swelling, warmth, or drainage. Wash with warm rather than hot water, dry carefully, wear protective footwear, and avoid walking barefoot. Keep diabetes appointments and discuss any change in sensation rather than adjusting medicine yourself.

Contact a clinician promptly for a new wound, spreading redness, swelling, warmth, drainage, darkening skin, or increasing pain in an area with reduced feeling. Call emergency services for sudden numbness on one side, facial drooping, speech difficulty, severe weakness, or sudden loss of coordination.

Ask whether your sensation needs a nerve and foot examination, how often to check your feet, and which symptoms suggest infection or reduced circulation. Ask for practical advice about footwear and skin care.