In daily life, many individuals with diabetes may suddenly experience pain in certain parts of their body, particularly in the lower back and feet. Many people attribute this to ordinary muscle soreness or fatigue, but in reality, it could be a sign of diabetic complications quietly emerging.

Why is pain a warning sign of complications?

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease, and long-term hyperglycemia can damage blood vessels and nerves throughout the body. When this damage accumulates to a certain extent, it manifests as various symptoms, with pain being one of the common and easily perceived signals.

Be especially vigilant about pain in these areas

1. Low back pain: Be alert for diabetic nephropathy

In the early stages of diabetic nephropathy, symptoms may include lower back pain and fatigue. The kidneys are located on both sides of the lower back, and when high blood sugar impairs the glomerular filtration function, discomfort in the lower back may occur.

Characteristics:The sensation of soreness persists and may be accompanied by symptoms such as foamy urine, increased nocturia, and edema, particularly in the eyelids and lower limbs.

2. Foot Pain: Be Alert for Diabetic Foot

The foot is one of the most common sites for diabetic complications, and pain may be a signal of neuropathy or vascular disease.

• Neuropathic pain:Stinging, burning sensation, numbness, or paresthesia, often worsening at night
• Vascular Pain:Pain in the calf while walking, relieved by rest (intermittent claudication)
• Signs of infection:Local redness, swelling, heat, and pain, even small wounds are difficult to heal

3. Other Pain Signals Requiring Attention

• Numbness and tingling in the hands and feet:Possible peripheral neuropathy
• Chest pain, chest tightness:Be vigilant for cardiovascular complications
• Blurred vision, eye pain:May be diabetic retinopathy

Five Key Measures for Preventing Complications

Blood glucose management is fundamental

• Regularly monitor blood glucose levels to maintain stable blood sugar.
• Take medication as prescribed by the doctor and do not adjust the dosage arbitrarily.
• Regularly monitor glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and maintain it within individualized target ranges.

2. Healthy Lifestyle

• Scientific Diet:Control total calorie intake, choose low glycemic index foods, and ensure nutritional balance
• Moderate exercise:At least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week, such as brisk walking or swimming
• Weight Control:Maintain body weight within a healthy range (BMI 18.5-23.9)
• Quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption:Tobacco accelerates vascular damage

3. Daily Foot Care

• Check both feet daily, including the soles and between the toes.
• Wash feet with warm water and avoid excessively high water temperature.
• Keep the skin of the feet moist but the spaces between the toes dry
• Wear appropriate and breathable shoes and socks, and avoid walking barefoot.
• Trim toenails properly to avoid injury

4. Regular comprehensive examination

• Every 3-6 months:Test glycated hemoglobin, blood lipids, and blood pressure
• At least once a year:Comprehensive Complication Screening
• Fundus examination
• Renal Function Test (Urine Microalbumin/Creatinine Ratio)
• Examination of foot nerves and blood vessels
• Electrocardiogram or necessary cardiovascular examination

5. Act immediately when pain occurs

• Do not self-administer painkillers to mask symptoms.
• Record pain characteristics: location, nature, duration, aggravating or alleviating factors
• Seek medical attention promptly for a professional evaluation.
• Special Reminder: If there are wounds, redness, swelling, or fever in the feet, seek medical attention immediately.

Establish a positive mindset for disease management

Prevention of diabetes complications is a long-term process that requires patience and persistence. Please remember:

1. Early detection and intervention can effectively control most complications.
2. Establish good communication with your doctor and schedule regular follow-up visits.
3. Join a diabetes support group to share experiences and gain psychological support
4. Maintaining a positive and optimistic mindset is equally important for stress management

Pain is the body's alarm, not a final verdict. Every diabetic patient can significantly reduce the risk of complications and enjoy a high quality of life through scientific management and proactive prevention.

Do not let the "sweet burden" turn into physical pain. From now on, pay more attention to your body's signals and protect your health with scientific methods.