Diabetes is a complex metabolic condition that affects multiple systems in the body, often leading to serious complications. While much attention is given to blood sugar management through diet and medication, the role of leg health in diabetes control is often overlooked. However, research suggests that maintaining strong and healthy legs is crucial in preventing and managing diabetes-related complications, including neuropathy, poor circulation, and even amputation.

Diabetes, especially if not well-controlled, has a significant impact on the nerves and blood vessels of the lower limbs. High sugar levels can damage the nerve endings, causing a condition known as diabetic neuropathy. This manifests as persistent pain in the legs, tingling, numbness, and in extreme cases, ulcers that do not heal properly.

Diabetic leg pain is one of the most common complaints of diabetic patients. The pain may be a dull ache or sharp stabbing. It worsens at night and can be caused by even the slightest pressure, such as a bed sheet rubbing against the skin. In more advanced stages, symptoms often begin in the feet and progress up the legs and hands.

Poor circulation is also another major problem. Diabetes hurts the small vessels that are accountable for providing well-oxygenated blood to extremities. Since the circulation would be poor in such cases, wounds may heal slowly, causing diabetic ulcers and infections that can be followed by severe problems like amputations if it is not taken care of.

Why Do Legs Suffer the Most?

The legs experience great stress throughout the day, and in people with diabetes, this is increased because of the nerve dysfunction and weakened blood vessels. Diabetic neuropathy is caused by prolonged high blood sugar levels damaging nerves by causing pain, numbness, and injury. Peripheral artery disease narrows the arteries further and restricts blood flow to the legs, thus making the problem worse.

For example, some types of entrapment neuropathies, like femoral nerve entrapment and tarsal tunnel syndrome, may also be associated with lower limb nerve compression and are a source of pain and discomfort. These indicate the need for active management of diabetes to avoid damage to the nerves.

Is Diabetic Leg Pain Reversible?

Although many types of diabetic neuropathy cannot be reversed, prompt intervention slows the progression of symptoms and may manage them adequately.

• Strict blood sugar control may delay neuropathy for several years.
• Pain relievers, anticonvulsants, and antidepressants may also help alleviate pain associated with the nerves.
• Lifestyle changes and weight management may be helpful to alleviate symptoms and further deterioration.
• Supplementation with vitamin B12 is important because people on Metformin for diabetes are more prone to develop a deficiency in this vitamin.
• Physical therapy and specialized footwear can aid mobility and reduce discomfort.

Effective Tips for Diabetic Leg and Foot Care

Taking care of your legs and feet is an essential part of diabetes management. The American Diabetes Association recommends the following preventive measures:

1. Prioritize Blood Sugar Control

The most excellent way to prevent nerve damage and circulatory problems is maintaining optimal blood sugar levels. Daily monitoring, healthy dieting, and adherence to prescribed medicines are essential for everyday activity.

2. Cleanliness of Feet

• Clean your feet daily with mild soap and warm water.
• Dried thoroughly, especially the space in between the toes, to avoid fungal infections.
• Apply moisturizer to the feet, but not between the toes, so as not to cause bacteria growth.

3. Daily Foot Examination

Examine your feet daily for blisters, cuts, sores, redness, or swelling.

Use a mirror to check hidden areas.

Go see a doctor for any infections or slow healing.

4. Wearing Correct Footwear

Wear fitted, cushioned shoes to prevent pressure sores.

Change socks every day, and use moisture-wicking socks to keep feet dry.

Get diabetic footwear for easy pressure release and improved circulation.

5. Avoid Extreme Temperature End

Avoid hot water bags or heating pads, as nerve damage can impair sensation and increase the risk of burns.

Keep feet away from cold temperatures to avoid complications associated with poor circulation.

6. Quit Smoking and Limit Alcohol

Smoking and excessive alcohol use can exacerbate peripheral vascular disease, thereby limiting blood flow to the legs. Quitting can significantly slow the progression of neuropathy and improve overall circulation.

7. Exercise with Caution

Low-impact activities, such as walking, swimming, or cycling, can encourage good circulation.

• Stay away from any activity that can cause stress to the feet if neuropathy has already occurred.
• Consult with a doctor before trying any new exercise program.

Preventing Diabetic Leg Pain

While not always preventable, many risk factors associated with diabetic leg pain can be mitigated by adopting lifestyle changes. Here is how:

• Follow a diabetes-friendly diet: High-fiber foods, lean proteins, and healthy fats should be included while avoiding processed sugars and refined carbs.
• Work with a nutritionist: Personalized meal plans can help maintain stable blood sugar levels.
• Monitor blood sugar regularly: Frequent checks help catch fluctuations early.
• Stay active: Regular exercise improves insulin sensitivity and circulation.
• Adhere to treatment plans: Following medical advice ensures better diabetes management.

When to Seek Medical Attention

If you have diabetes and experience chronic leg pain, numbness, tingling, or slow healing of wounds, seek medical help right away. Early intervention is key to the prevention of such severe complications, thereby improving one's quality of life.

Your legs are essential in keeping you in balance, on the move, and healthy. For a diabetic, leg health is even more important in avoiding severe complications like neuropathy and amputation. With proper control of blood sugar, proper care of the feet, and adjustment of lifestyle, you can take care of your legs and overall health. A visit to a healthcare professional would be the first step in controlling diabetes if symptoms occur.

Researchers at Tel Aviv University and Sheba Medical Center have made a major scientific breakthrough by successfully growing a human kidney organoid in the laboratory. An organoid is a tiny, three-dimensional model of an organ, and this new creation is far superior to any previous model. For the first time, the team grew the kidney organoid from specialized kidney stem cells, rather than from more general stem cells. This innovative approach has resulted in a model that perfectly mirrors the development of a human fetal kidney.

One of the most remarkable aspects of this new organoid is its longevity. It can be kept alive and stable for an impressive 34 weeks, which is more than six months. This marks a significant improvement over older models, which typically failed and broke down after only four weeks. This extended lifespan allows for long-term research and medical testing on the kidney model.

Also Read: Flesh-Eating Screwworm Parasite Detected in First US Human Case: Know the Warning Signs

How Did Scientists Make This Lab-Grown Kidney?

Before this breakthrough, scientists used "master" cells called pluripotent stem cells to grow organoids. The problem was that these cells could turn into any type of cell, which often led to the organoids being "contaminated" with unwanted cells from other parts of the body. This made experiments difficult to trust.

The new method is different. It uses stem cells that are already programmed to only become kidney cells. Because of this, the new organoid is a "clean" model, made purely of kidney tissue. This purity allows for more accurate and reliable experiments, so scientists can be sure their results are directly related to the kidney.

This new model gives researchers a clear look at how a kidney grows. They can watch for months as different parts of the kidney form, like the blood filters and urinary ducts. By using this model, they made a big discovery about birth defects. They intentionally blocked a signal in the organoid and watched as a developmental problem appeared, one that is known to cause kidney birth defects in people. This shows them exactly how a small mistake in development can lead to a serious medical condition.

How Does The Artificial Kidney Change Medicine

Researchers explain that this breakthrough provides a powerful new tool that could change medicine.

Understanding Disease

The model helps scientists see how problems in development lead to kidney diseases. This could lead to new treatments that fix the root cause of these illnesses.

Safe Drug Testing

Researchers can now safely test if new drugs are harmful to a developing kidney, which is especially important for protecting babies during pregnancy.

Regenerative Medicine

This new process creates a reliable supply of kidney cells. These cells could be used in research or as building blocks for new therapies to repair or replace damaged kidneys.

Why Is This Artificial Kidney So Important?

Although the organ made is not yet transplantable, it is a step towards better care and more organ transplants for people who need it. To understand how the wait time increases or decreases, a 2025 study published in JAMA Open Network, used a computer model of 662,190 patients found that if the kidney transplant waiting list grew, so would the wait times.

• A 10% increase in the waiting list would add about 4 months to the wait time.
• A 50% increase in the waiting list would add about 20 months to the wait time.

As the time increases, so does the desperation for a properly working organ that helps them increase the quality of their life. This artificial kidney could help many people, who are in the waitlist, by helping them sustain for more than 6 months, while they wait for a new organ for the transplant. Researchers are working towards bettering this medical future, which will soon be helping many.

We all want to have a relaxed and easy. Rushing to get ready, eating unhealthy breakfasts and running out the door, these habits are not feasible and can be difficult to maintain. Although getting up early and getting things in order before you leave may seem like a lot of work, it can be the best option not only for your mental health, but also your heart.

According to cardiologist Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj, a board-certified cardiologist, your morning routine can significantly impact your heart health. He warns that the hours after you wake up are a "high-alert window" for your heart, as this is when the body's natural processes can increase the risk of a heart attack.

However, it is not just his professional opinion, studies have shown that there is a time period, i.e. 7 am – 11 am, when we are most susceptible to heart attacks and you may be surprised to know how many people suffer sudden cardiac events within these hours.

How Are Morning Hours Dangerous For Heart Events?

According to a 2020 study published in the Trends in Cardiovascular Medicine journal, for many years, research supported the idea that sudden cardiac arrests followed a predictable pattern.

Morning Peak: Several studies from the late 1980s and early 1990s found that sudden cardiac death was most common in the morning, typically between 7 a.m. and 11 a.m.

Weekly Peak: Some studies also showed a "Monday peak," where more events occurred on Mondays than on any other day of the week. This was often linked to the stress of starting the work week.

Seasonal Peak: There was also evidence of a seasonal pattern, with more events happening in the winter months.

This pattern was thought to be due to natural daily changes in the body, such as fluctuations in heart rate, blood pressure, and stress hormones like cortisol.

Does This Time Pattern Still Affect Heart Events?

More recent studies are starting to tell a different story. Research from the past decade, including a large study called the Oregon Sudden Unexpected Death Study, has found no clear morning or Monday peak for sudden cardiac arrests. While many studies still show a low number of events in the early morning hours (between 12 a.m. and 6 a.m.), the classic morning peak has disappeared. This has been attributed to:

Better Medication

The widespread use of medications like beta-blockers has been shown to reduce the effects of stress hormones that were thought to cause the morning peak.

Improved Treatment

Advances in treating heart failure and coronary artery disease have also changed the way cardiac arrests present.

Modern Lifestyle

Our 24/7 lifestyle with constant access to technology and stress may have spread the risk factors for cardiac arrest more evenly throughout the day and week, eliminating the "Monday peak."

Why Do Mornings Stress Out Our Heart?

Dr Bhojraj explains that when you first wake up, your body goes through several changes that can be stressful for your heart. These include:

• Your body experiences a surge in cortisol, which is the stress hormone, in the morning to help you wake up, but it can also put a strain on your cardiovascular system.
• Your blood platelets, which help with clotting, become stickier. This can increase the risk of blood clots that may block arteries.
• Your also blood pressure increases as part of the waking process.

How To Start Your Day In A Heart Healthy Way

To protect your heart, Dr. Bhojraj suggests a gentle morning routine rather than a frantic one. He advises against rushing into the day with high-stress activities. Here are his recommendations for a heart-healthy morning:

Drink water as soon as you wake up.

Taking your medications on time is especially important for any heart-related prescriptions.

Eat a protein-rich breakfast like to start your day.

Take 10 to 15 minutes for some gentle exercise before you get busy.

Starting your day slowly because it can help reduce the stress on your heart and set a positive tone for the rest of your day.

The first ever human case of this flesh-eating parasite infestation has been detected in the US. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) reported that the case of infestation by the New World screwworm (NWS) parasite was confirmed on August 4, involves a patient who had recently traveled back to the US from El Salvador.

What is the New World Screwworm or Flesh-Eating Parasite?

The New World screwworm myiasis is a parasitic infection caused by the larvae, or maggots, of a parasitic fly. These maggots are known for feeding on the living flesh of their hosts and are drawn to open wounds, where they lay their eggs. While they primarily infest livestock like cattle, they can also affect pets, wildlife, and, in rare instances, even people. Health officials, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), have stated that the risk to the general public in the US remains very low.

This devastating pest is usually found in parts of South America and the Caribbean. Despite efforts to stop its spread, the parasite has moved northward, with cases now confirmed in every Central American country, including Mexico.

Also Read: Human Pig Lung Transplant: First-Ever Gene-Edited Pig Lung Transplanted Into a Brain-Dead Man Successfully

What Is The First Symptoms of Flesh-Eating Screwworm In Humans?

The CDC explains that the NWS infestations are extremely painful. The most obvious sign is seeing maggots in or around an open wound, or even in your nose, eyes, or mouth. Other symptoms can include:

• Sores or wounds that don't heal or get worse over time.
• Painful wounds that may bleed.
• A foul smell coming from the wound.
• A crawling sensation as you feel the maggots moving inside the wound.
• Sometimes, a fever or chills can occur if a bacterial infection develops.

If you experience these symptoms after traveling to Central or South America or the Caribbean, it's important to tell your doctor about your recent trip.

Who is at Risk For Flesh-Eating Screwworm Parasite?

Your risk of getting an NWS infestation increases if you travel to areas where the flies are present and:

• You have an open wound, such as from a scratch, cut, insect bite, or recent surgery.
• You have a weakened immune system, perhaps from a medical condition like HIV, cancer treatment, or certain medications.
• You have a medical condition that causes open sores, like some skin or sinus cancers.
• You sleep outdoors.
• You live or work around livestock or other warm-blooded animals in these regions.

How Does Flesh Eating Parasite Spread?

An infestation starts when a female NWS fly lays her eggs in an open wound or body opening like the nose or mouth. The smell of a wound, even a small one like a tick bite, can attract the flies. A single female fly can lay 200–300 eggs at a time.

Once the eggs hatch, the tiny maggots burrow into the living tissue to feed. After they've fed, they drop to the ground, burrow into the soil, and eventually turn into adult flies, starting the cycle over again.

How Can You Prevent Flesh Eating Screwworm Infection?

If you see or feel maggots in a wound or on your body, you should contact a healthcare provider right away. They will need to remove the larvae, which sometimes requires surgery. It is very important that you do not try to remove the maggots yourself. Prevention is the best way to avoid an infestation.

• Keep any open wounds clean and covered.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, and socks to protect your skin from bites.
• Use an EPA-approved insect repellent.
• Treat your clothing and gear with products that contain 0.5% permethrin.
• Sleep indoors or in rooms with screens.