Four symptoms of Type 2 diabetes which appear in your feet - what to watch for

The symptoms of the condition mean more serious ailments can arise such as serious foot problems ulcers, infections, and bone and joint pain

A well-known health condition has four symptoms which appear in your feet.

Type 2 diabetes can easily go undetected if blood sugar levels are not properly managed. It can quietly disrupt sufferers lives with tiredness and frequent urination which are often seen as 'normal' everyday issues. But type 2 diabetes can also cause diabetic neuropathy or nerve damage and 'peripheral neuropathy which affect the feet. And the Mayo Clinic warns: "Signs and symptoms of peripheral neuropathy are often worse at night," and without proper care, serious foot problems such as ulcers, infections, and bone and joint pain can arise.

ChronicleLive reports severe complications can be prevented and points to Diabetes UK's advise on regular foot examinations. The charity recommends everyone with diabetes should have their feet checked annually at their GP surgery. Recognising the overall symptoms of type 2 diabetes is essential for early detection. But unfortunately, many people have type 2 diabetes without knowing it.

The NHS says: "This is because symptoms do not necessarily make you feel unwell," Symptoms of type 2 diabetes include: frequent urination (especially at night), constant thirst, extreme fatigue, unexplained weight loss, itching around your private parts or recurrent thrush, delayed healing of cuts or wounds, and blurred vision. If you're worried about an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, the NHS advises seeing a GP.

After being diagnosed with the condition lifestyle changes are usually recommended by your GP to manage blood sugar levels, the body highlights. Diet and exercise are two crucial factors in controlling blood sugar regarding diabetes Diabetes UK says "Diabetes won't stop you from enjoying your food, but knowing some simple hacks and swaps will help you choose healthier options and make planning your meals a little easier,"

The Mirror reported recently that new data from the Office of National Statistics estimates seven per cent of the adult population have the condition - but around one million are undiagnosed. It also found that pre-diabetes affected around one in nine adults in England, which is more than five million people.

These alarming figures stress the important of knowing the symptoms of type 2 diabetes, and whether you're at a higher risk of developing the condition. Early treatment is essential in reducing the chances of other health problems including heart disease and stroke.

Dr Neel Patel, a GP at LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor said: "Generally, people who are overweight or obese are more at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Specifically, people with an unhealthy waistline measurement and those who store too much fat around their pancreas and liver can be at high risk."

He added: "Certain ethnicities also have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes." This includes those from Black African, African Caribbean and South Asian backgrounds. Having a close relative with diabetes (including a parent or sibling) can also mean you're at a higher risk of developing the condition."