Diabetes type 2: Dr Zoe Williams discusses high blood sugar risks

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According to the global diabetes community, stiffness begins in the little finger and spreads to the thumb when you have diabetic cheiroarthropathy. Limited finger movement is paired with waxy, thickened skin on the hands. Over time, if you bring your palms together, the fingers may not be able to touch if you have this condition. If there is a gap between your fingers and palms in this position, you’re advised to see your doctor.

Diabetic stuff hand syndrome typically follows on from diabetic neuropathy (i.e. nerve damage).

The condition can also be a predictor for other diabetes-related health conditions.

Diabetic neuropathy

The Mayo Clinic explained: “High blood sugar (glucose) can injure nerves throughout your body.”

Peripheral neuropathy affects the feet and legs first, followed by the hands and arms.

Symptoms of this diabetes complication are often worse at night and include:

• Numbness or reduced ability to feel pain or temperature changes
• Tingling or burning sensation
• Sharp pains or cramps
• Increased sensitivity to touch — for some people, even a bedsheet’s weight can be painful
• Serious foot problems, such as ulcers, infections, and bone and joint pain.

If the autonomic nervous system starts to fail due to nerve damage, it can cause bladder or bowel issues.

You may feel nauseous, lose your appetite, and vomit as the digestive system is affected.

Proximal neuropathy can then lead to severe stomach pain, hip, thigh or buttock pain.

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It can also cause difficulty for people trying to rise up from a sitting position.

Mononeuropathy can lead to an achy feeling behind one eye, difficulty focusing, double vision, or numbness or tingling in the hands or fingers, except for the pinkie.

The NHS warned that uncontrolled and persistent high blood sugar levels can lead to numerous health issues.

For instance, the condition could lead to heart disease and stroke, blindness, and sexual impotency.

People with diabetes are encouraged to go for regular health check-ups.

A diabetes nurse of doctor should be checking your blood sugar levels every six months.

Then, once a year, you need to be checked over for any loss of feeling in your feet, signs of ulcers or infections.

“Speak to your GP immediately if you have cuts, bruises or numbness in your feet,” instructed the NHS.

Your doctor should also check your blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

It’s also important to get your vision checked every year too; this is so any health complications can be picked up on in the early stages.

Keeping on top of your health is one way to help prevent complications from developing or worsening.

For more support and information on managing type 2 diabetes, please visit the charity Diabetes UK.

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