In winter, due to the cold weather, many diabetic patients begin to experience coldness and numbness in their legs and feet. Many people simply attribute this to "the weather turning cold," but Director Huang Xinwen, Deputy Chief Physician of Lanzhou Ruijing Diabetes Hospital, solemnly reminds:This could be an important signal of diabetic neuropathy and should not be taken lightly

01

Cold Legs and Feet: More Than Just a Temperature Issue


Director Huang Xinwen pointed out that diabetic patients experiencing coldness in the legs and feet is often not caused by a single factor. Cold weather may exacerbate symptoms, but the underlying cause is typically related to nerve and vascular damage induced by diabetes.


Patients often mistakenly believe that cold legs and feet are a normal phenomenon caused by weather changes. By the time they seek medical attention due to pain, ulcers, or even gangrene, they have often missed the optimal window for intervention, emphasized Director Huang Xinwen.

02

Diabetic Neuropathy: The Silent Complication


Diabetic neuropathy is one of the most common chronic complications of diabetes. Director Huang Xinwen explains that long-term hyperglycemia can damage nerves throughout the body, particularly the peripheral nerves in the lower limbs. This damage can lead to:

  1. ParesthesiaColdness, numbness, tingling, or burning sensation in the legs and feet
  2. Temperature Perception DisorderInsensitivity to hot and cold, prone to burns or frostbite.
  3. Altered pain thresholdMinor trauma is not easily noticeable and can easily develop into ulcers.
  4. Autonomic dysfunctionAffects vasomotor function and exacerbates circulatory disorders

Neuropathy is like a silent destroyer, with subtle initial symptoms but immense harm, said Director Huang Xinwen.

03

Combining Prevention and Treatment: Three-Level Prevention Strategy


Director Huang Xinwen proposed systematic prevention and treatment recommendations for diabetic neuropathy:

Primary Prevention: Strict Control of Blood Glucose




  • Fasting blood glucose should be controlled within the range of 4.4-7.0 mmol/L.
  • Postprandial blood glucose below 10.0 mmol/L
  • Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is controlled below 7%
  • Maintaining stable blood glucose is the cornerstone for preventing all complications. Director Huang Xinwen emphasized.

Secondary Prevention: Regular Screening and Monitoring




Director Huang Xinwen recommends that diabetic patients undergo a comprehensive neuropathy examination at least once a year, including:

  • 10g Monofilament Test: Assessing Protective Sensation
  • Vibration Perception Threshold Testing
  • Ankle reflex examination
  • Temperature and Pinprick Sensation Assessment

Early detection and early intervention are key to avoiding serious complications, said Director Huang Xinwen.

Tertiary Prevention: Comprehensive Management and Treatment




For patients who have already developed neuropathy, Director Huang Xinwen recommends adopting a comprehensive treatment strategy:

  1. Etiological TreatmentIntensive Glycemic Control
  2. Symptomatic TreatmentMedication for symptoms such as pain and numbness
  3. Neural RepairUse neurotrophic drugs
  4. Improve circulationPromote blood circulation in the lower limbs
  5. Foot CareCheck feet daily, keep them clean and dry, and choose appropriate footwear and socks.

04

Special Reminder: These symptoms require immediate medical attention


Director Huang Xinwen specifically reminds that diabetic patients should seek immediate medical attention if the following conditions occur:

  • Coldness in the legs and feet accompanied by persistent numbness or tingling.
  • Changes in foot skin color (pallor, purplish-red)
  • Appearance of wounds or ulcers that are difficult to heal
  • Foot deformity or swelling
  • Leg pain during walking that is relieved by rest (intermittent claudication)

Expert Summary


Director Huang Xinwen concluded, "Diabetic neuropathy is preventable and controllable. The key lies in patients raising their awareness and not simply attributing cold legs and feet to weather changes. Regular screening, strict blood glucose control, and scientific foot care—these three lines of defense can effectively prevent the occurrence of serious complications."


Lanzhou Ruijing Diabetes Hospital provides patients with professional assessment, diagnosis, and treatment plans. Director Huang Xinwen calls on the majority of diabetic patients to pay attention to early signals, intervene promptly, protect nerve health, and improve quality of life.