Kiran Rao Kiran Rao Asked 9 months ago

What do diabetes feet feel like?

My father has had diabetes for many years, and lately, he's been complaining about a strange sensation in his feet. He says they feel numb sometimes, or tingly. What exactly do diabetic feet feel like, so I can understand if his symptoms are typical?

12

12 answers

Amina Begum Amina Begum Joined Apr 2026 6 months ago
Most liked

My father was recently diagnosed with diabetes and he complains of a cold, tingling sensation in his soles. Does diabetic neuropathy start like this, or is it just normal tiredness? I am trying to understand what signs we should watch out for.

Suresh Patel Suresh Patel Joined Feb 2026 9 months ago

I have been managing my Type 2 diabetes for ten years now. When my sugar spikes, my feet feel very hot and there is a burning, needle-like sensation in the toes, especially at night. It is a clear warning sign to tighten my diet and monitor my post-meal blood sugar levels immediately.

Neha Sharma Neha Sharma Joined Feb 2026 8 months ago

My mom goes through this and she describes it as if she is walking on cotton or bubble wrap because her soles feel slightly numb. She also gets sudden sharp pinpricks out of nowhere. We bought her some soft ortho slippers which have helped her feel more comfortable walking around the house.

Pooja Hegde Pooja Hegde Joined May 2026 6 months ago

Yes, that tingling or complete numbness is very typical of diabetic nerve issues. It is highly recommended to wear soft, seamless diabetic socks to protect your feet from unnoticed injuries.

Amit Saxena Amit Saxena Joined Jan 2026 9 months ago

Please don't try soaking diabetic feet in hot water or using random herbal pastes to cure the numbness. Since sensation is reduced, you might accidentally burn the skin without even realizing it. Go to a proper diabetologist or neurologist for safe treatment.

Powered by

Consult a endocrinologist

Vivek Murthy Vivek Murthy Joined Mar 2026 8 months ago

Any numbness, loss of temperature sensation, or tingling in the feet of a diabetic patient should be evaluated by a physician immediately. These are signs of diabetic neuropathy, which can lead to painless ulcers if left unmanaged. Please get a proper neurological foot exam done.

Shrikant Vyas Shrikant Vyas Joined Mar 2026 7 months ago

Along with feeling numb or tingly, poor circulation in diabetic feet can make them feel unusually cold. I manage my health with a strict high-fiber, low-glycemic vegetarian diet to keep my circulation healthy, but visiting a doctor is the first step to address nerve symptoms.

Siddharth Nair Siddharth Nair Joined Mar 2026 7 months ago

My uncle says his diabetic feet feel like they have gone to sleep but refuse to wake up, constantly buzzing like an old television set. It keeps him up on some nights, which honestly sounds exhausting. Highly suggest getting it checked so you can actually get some peaceful sleep.

Gurmeet Kaur Gurmeet Kaur Joined Apr 2026 7 months ago

My husband had terrible burning in his soles due to diabetes. We tried warm mustard oil massages which gave some comforting relief, but the real improvement came only when we controlled his HbA1c through proper doctor-prescribed medication. Don't ignore the burning sensation.

Related reads

All articles
Rohan Das Rohan Das Joined May 2026 6 months ago

I was researching this for my grandfather and read that diabetes can cause a burning sensation, numbness, or even a feeling of 'pins and needles' due to nerve damage. It seems like a very common complication that requires keeping a close watch on blood sugar trends.

Aradhana Bose Aradhana Bose Joined May 2026 5 months ago

It can feel like a dull ache, coldness, or even a heavy wooden feeling in the legs and feet. It can be quite unsettling, but please don't worry too much. Talk to your doctor during your next visit, keep the feet clean, and check them daily for any tiny cuts.

Kunal Sen Kunal Sen Joined Jun 2026 5 months ago

My dad used to feel a constant prickling sensation, like some insect was crawling on his feet. We took him to his doctor who adjusted his insulin dose and gave some nerve supplements. Don't let it slide, get it sorted out with your doctor directly.

Evidence-based health, reviewed by clinicians. Free, weekly.