Podiatrists have issued a stern warning about a series of foot imperfections that could indicate the existence of a potentially-fatal disease.
According to experts, among the plethora of signs and symptoms of the condition, are a handful that affect the skin surrounding the foot specifically, as well as the nerves inside the limb.
The ailment in question is Type 2 diabetes - a condition whereby the body is either unable produce enough insulin, or can't process the hormone properly, leading to high blood sugar levels.
However, many sufferers might not even realise they have it until they begin suffering the consequences. This could be due to the often-clashing signs of the disease, including frequent urination, constant thirst, extreme fatigue, unexplained weight loss, recurrent thrush, and blurred vision.
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This doesn't mean they should get away with not managing its symptoms, medics say.
Recently, Niamh McMillan, a pharmacy superintendent at Superdrug, warned that cracked heels can be an indicator that undiagnosed diabetes is present inside the body.
"Your feet can reveal a lot about your overall health, and there are several symptoms that might seem minor but could indicate something more serious," she told The Express.
"If small cuts or sores on your feet aren't healing within a few days, then this could be a red flag."
Apparently, there are three other foot-related symptoms that potential patients must be aware of, so as to manage them properly.
Unnoticed wounds or blisters
First is a wound or a blister that you may not have noticed. This could either appear on the top or side or the foot, underneath, or between toes.
Tingling or painful sensation
Next, is a tingling or painful sensation in your feet.
Both of these, the Diabetes UK website explains, could be caused by numbness in the limbs.
Type 2 diabetes can damage small blood vessels in the body, preventing essential nutrients from reaching nerves.
This can cause a general numbness within the feet, with could either lead to patients failing to spot they've sustained a cut or a blister, or experiencing a general feeling 'pins and needles' in the area.
In cases of the former, due to the reduced blood supply to the feet, individuals with these wounds on their feet mightn't see them healing very well, being that plasma in blood is essential in forming scabs.
Thick or yellow toenails
The third and final foot-related indicator that you could have Type 2 diabetes is the thickening or yellowing of toenails.
According to Healthline, this could be caused by fungal nail infections, or the breakdown of sugar in the nails, or both.
The former condition is more common in individuals with diabetes due to the stunted circulation, and generally weakened immune system.
Rhianna Benson