Persistent pain or burning sensations in your feet may be more than just discomfort—it could be a warning sign of unstable blood sugar levels. Dr. Sudhir Kumar, a neurologist trained at CMC Vellore and currently associated with Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad, explained that two of the most common causes behind such symptoms are diabetes and vitamin B12 deficiency.
Diabetes and Nerve Damage
One of the leading causes of burning or tingling sensations in the feet is diabetic neuropathy—a condition resulting from prolonged high blood sugar. Over time, excess glucose damages the small nerves, especially in the feet, causing numbness, tingling, or sharp electric-like pain that often worsens at night. These sensations usually begin at the toes and gradually move upward in what doctors refer to as a “stocking pattern.”
Interestingly, these symptoms can even appear in those with prediabetes, serving as an early warning before full-blown diabetes develops. To confirm the condition, doctors generally recommend tests like HbA1C, fasting blood sugar, or an oral glucose tolerance test, depending on the case.
Vitamin B12 Deficiency And Nerve Pain
The second most frequent reason for burning or tingling in the feet is a lack of vitamin B12—a condition known as nutritional neuropathy. It commonly affects vegetarians, vegans, and individuals who take medications such as metformin or acid-lowering drugs. When vitamin B12 levels fall, it leads to nerve damage that manifests as pins-and-needles sensations, numbness, and even balance issues in both feet. A simple blood test for vitamin B12 levels helps in confirming this deficiency.
Treatment And Management
Addressing the root cause is the first step toward relief—this means managing diabetes effectively or replenishing vitamin B12 levels as needed. To ease symptoms, neurologists often prescribe medications such as gabapentin, pregabalin, or duloxetine.
Recognizing High Blood Sugar Symptoms
High blood sugar presents differently in each person. Some with prediabetes, gestational diabetes, or type 2 diabetes may not experience clear symptoms, while type 1 diabetes often shows sudden and severe signs. Common indicators include excessive thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, mood swings, blurred vision, slow-healing wounds, and frequent infections affecting the skin, gums, or other areas.
Diabetes and Nerve Damage
One of the leading causes of burning or tingling sensations in the feet is diabetic neuropathy—a condition resulting from prolonged high blood sugar. Over time, excess glucose damages the small nerves, especially in the feet, causing numbness, tingling, or sharp electric-like pain that often worsens at night. These sensations usually begin at the toes and gradually move upward in what doctors refer to as a “stocking pattern.”Interestingly, these symptoms can even appear in those with prediabetes, serving as an early warning before full-blown diabetes develops. To confirm the condition, doctors generally recommend tests like HbA1C, fasting blood sugar, or an oral glucose tolerance test, depending on the case.
