Leg pain is a common symptom of diabetes, caused by peripheral neuropathy and peripheral arterial disease. In fact, one out of every three patients with diabetes over the age of 50 has peripheral arterial disease according to the American Diabetes Association, and 60 to 70 percent of diabetes patients suffer from neuropathy, according to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse.

Identification

Diabetic neuropathy occurs when excessive blood sugar levels cause damage to the nerves inside the arms and legs. Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a condition where fatty deposits in the legs block the blood vessels that deliver blood throughout the feet and legs.

Symptoms

In addition to leg pain, symptoms of diabetic neuropathy include tingling, wasting of your muscles and overall weakness. Symptoms of PAD in diabetics apart from leg pain include numbness, tingling and coldness in the legs and feet and sores on your feet that heal slowly.

Features

Diabetic neuropathy usually comes on gradually, with symptoms beginning in the feet and moving later to the legs. PAD in diabetics usually begins in the legs with periods of pain during activity or walking that disappear quickly with rest.

Diagnosis

Doctors employ a variety of methods to diagnose both diabetic neuropathy and PAD, including ultrasounds, angiograms, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and nerve conduction studies.

Considerations

For both diabetic neuropathy and peripheral arterial disease, lowering your blood sugar levels is an important step in treating and preventing leg pain caused by complications from diabetes. Proper use of insulin or oral medications, frequent checking of blood sugar readings with a glucometer, a healthy diet and exercise are all important steps to lowering sugar levels.

Source

National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse

American Diabetes Association

Mayo Clinic