Why do diabetics lose weight in their legs?

Author: Michaela Welch  |  Last update: Wednesday, June 4, 2025

Diabetic amyotrophy is a complication of diabetes mellitus. It causes a loss of muscle bulk due to damage to the motor nerve which activates those muscles. It mainly affects the thighs, hips, buttocks and legs, causing pain and muscle wasting.

How to stop muscle wasting in diabetes?

Incorporate strength or resistance training into your routine. The increased risk for muscle loss among those with diabetes makes this aspect of exercise even more important. Resistance training has long been known to help improve blood glucose control, in addition to helping your muscles stay strong and functional.

Does diabetes make your legs thin?

Individuals with poorly controlled diabetes may experience muscle wasting (thinning) or atrophy. This is often due to prolonged high blood sugar levels, which can lead to the breakdown of muscle tissue. Muscle atrophy can result from reduced glucose uptake by muscle cells, and altered protein metabolism and function.

Should diabetics wear socks to bed?

Wear socks in bed if your feet are cold at night. Do not use a hot water bottle or heating pad on your feet. Always check your shoes before you put them on. Look and feel inside them for anything that could cause discomfort or injury, such as pebbles, a torn lining, or rough spots.

Why do some diabetics get skinny?

“When the glucose doesn't arrive in your cells, your body thinks it's starving and finds a way to compensate. It creates energy by burning fat and muscle at a rapid pace. This causes unexplained weight loss,” explains Cotey. Your kidneys also begin working overtime to eliminate the excess sugars in your blood.

Diabetics Beware! Why You're Losing Weight in Your Legs

What is the fastest way for a diabetic to gain weight?

Some foods can help you to gain weight without causing big rises in your blood glucose (sugar) levels. These include foods high in: Protein, such as meat, fish, chicken, legumes, eggs, nuts and full-cream dairy foods. Energy, such as margarine, avocado, nut butters, oil and salad dressing.

What is a diabetic belly?

But that doesn't mean abdominal weight gain should be ignored. It can be an early sign of so-called "diabetic belly," a build-up of visceral fat in your abdomen which may be a symptom of type 2 diabetes and can increase your chances of developing other serious medical conditions.

Why can't diabetics cut toenails?

Because a wound can go undetected due to diabetic nerve damage, it may not be noticed right away, putting you at risk for infection. Diabetes also makes wounds slower to heal or not heal at all which can lead to serious complications.

Should diabetics eat bananas?

The Bottom Line. Bananas are a delicious, nutritious and affordable food for everyone, including those with diabetes. Eating this healthy fruit can help stabilize blood sugar levels, improve insulin sensitivity and improve heart health.

Is vaseline good for diabetic feet?

What is the first rule of diabetic foot care? The first rule is to inspect your feet daily for any cuts, blisters, redness, or swelling. Is Vaseline a good moisturizer for diabetic feet? Yes, Vaseline can be a good moisturizer, but it should be used properly to avoid trapping moisture.

What part of the body itches with diabetes?

Eruptive xanthomatosis is another condition caused by diabetes that's out of control. It consists of firm, yellow, pea-like enlargements in the skin. Each bump has a red halo and may itch. This condition occurs most often on the backs of hands, feet, arms, legs, and buttocks.

What do diabetic spots look like?

Diabetes-related dermopathy looks like small, round pink, reddish or brown patches on your skin. They can look like scars and be indented. They're generally 1 centimeter to 2.5 centimeters in size. The patches are harmless and don't itch, ooze liquid or cause pain.

What do diabetic legs feel like?

Diabetic neuropathy most often damages nerves in the legs and feet. Depending on the affected nerves, diabetic neuropathy symptoms include pain and numbness in the legs, feet and hands. It can also cause problems with the digestive system, urinary tract, blood vessels and heart. Some people have mild symptoms.

What does metformin do to your leg muscles?

It can target “zombie-like cells,” called senescent cells, which impact muscle function. Senescent cells secrete factors associated with inflammation that may underlie fibrotic tissue, a hardening or scarring of tissues. Metformin also reduces muscle atrophy.

Why am I losing muscle mass in my legs?

Muscle atrophy can occur due to malnutrition, age, genetics, a lack of physical activity or certain medical conditions. Disuse (physiologic) atrophy occurs when you don't use your muscles enough. Neurogenic atrophy occurs due to nerve problems or diseases.

How can a diabetic gain muscle weight?

Spread your protein intake across the day, each meal should include some protein. Leucine (an amino acid) is a trigger for stimulating muscle growth. You can get this from milk, eggs, meat, poultry, fish, soya, and wheat. More than 30g protein in a meal may need some additional insulin to manage glucose levels.

What should diabetics drink first thing in the morning?

Water. Plain water is the best drink for everyone, but especially for people living with diabetes. It's naturally hydrating and free of carbohydrates and calories.

What food washes out sugar from blood?

Certain types of foods are especially effective at controlling blood glucose. O'Meara recommends a diet rich in whole grains, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and healthy fats.

What is the one fruit that lowers blood sugar?

Berries. Don't make your trip to the store fruitless. Dad jokes aside, foods like blueberries provide fiber and antioxidants known to lower blood sugar and inflammation. Similarly, one study found strawberries reduced diabetes complications like kidney disease and nerve damage.

Why do diabetics wake up at 3am?

The cause of the dawn phenomenon isn't clear. Some researchers believe the overnight release of certain hormones that happens naturally increases insulin resistance. That causes blood sugar to rise. The hormones are called counter-regulatory hormones because they have an effect that opposes the effect of insulin.

What do diabetic fingernails look like?

4 White/yellow/greenish discolouration and thickening at the end of the nail spreads gradually to involve the whole nail which may be thick and brittle. The distorted nail can become sharp or break off, and can dig into neighbouring toes.

Why do diabetics crave sugar?

Without enough insulin, your brain cannot make use of that glucose. Since the brain relies on a second-by-second delivery of sugar for fuel—and your brain doesn't know you have diabetes—it's going to cue cravings and hunger to encourage you to eat.

What is the foul smelling gas in diabetes?

And -- as odd as it may seem -- it also plays a critical role in protecting blood vessels from the complications of diabetes. Hydrogen sulfide is a foul-smelling gas with an odor resembling that of rotten eggs.

How can I flatten my diabetic stomach?

While everything from slashing stress to eating fewer processed foods has been shown to help combat belly fat, exercise is one of the best things you can do to reduce weight in this area and live healthier with diabetes, says Pat Salber, MD, an internist and the founder of The Doctor Weighs In, who's based in Marin ...

How do you feel when your blood sugar is too high?

Hyperglycemia occurs when the level of blood glucose gets too high. Hyperglycemia can affect people of any age and can cause a range of symptoms, including excessive thirst, hunger, fatigue, and/or an urge to urinate larger amounts than usual.

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