Are you diabetic? Take care of your sugar levels and your FOOT too!
Diabetes can have long-term and far-reaching consequences. It can cause problems with your feet and legs, which are the two most common complications of this disease. In other words, high blood sugar makes even minor injuries complex. This, in turn, can become gateways to potentially disabling infections leading to diabetic foot.
Did you know? Approximately 50% of diabetics experience debilitating foot pain, with at least 10% developing foot ulcers. |
How can diabetes cause diabetic foot issues?
Uncontrolled blood sugar is the root cause of diabetic foot problems. High blood sugar levels damage your nerves and circulatory system over time, resulting in diabetic neuropathy and peripheral vascular disease. These conditions, in turn, can cause additional foot problems.
Diabetic neuropathy causes nerve damage, resulting in a loss of feeling or sensation in your feet. As you are unable to feel anything when your foot suffers a cut, or gets irritated, or develops blisters; the wounds are more likely to become infected and gangrene may develop, putting you at risk of amputation.
Uncontrolled diabetes can cause damage to your circulatory system and blood vessels, leading to peripheral vascular disease. The blocked blood vessels in your extremities hinder your feet from receiving enough blood when you have this condition. The end result? Wounds heal more slowly and are more prone to infection.
What symptoms indicate that you are suffering from diabetic foot?
The effects of diabetes on the feet and ankles vary depending on the individual. There will be no sensation or numbness in the feet. People will have no sensation of a cut or wound on their feet.
Aside from the staining socks, red marks and painful burning are common diabetic foot symptoms.
What are the various foot complications that can arise due to diabetes?
Neuropathy is by far the most common diabetic foot threat (nerve damage). This condition, also known as peripheral or diabetic neuropathy, develops as a result of high levels of blood sugar and fats (triglycerides) in your blood, which can cause irreversible nerve damage.
As previously stated, diabetic neuropathy affects 50% of people with diabetes, making the complication a serious concern.
Other foot problems that diabetes patients are more likely to experience due to vascular and nerve damage include:
- Calluses and corns
- Bunions
- Hammertoes
- Fungal infections
- Ingrown toenails
Even if these conditions are not directly caused by diabetes, they require special attention due to the compromised nerve and vascular health in your feet.
How can you prevent diabetic foot problems?
Keep a tab on your blood sugar level
The first and foremost thing to follow to prevent diabetic foot problems is to keep your blood sugar under control. According to research, diabetics who keep their blood sugar under control prevent nerve damage and reduce pain and further damage in patients who already have neuropathy.
Change your diet to help control the amount of sugar in your bloodstream after you eat and drink. Oral medications and insulin can also assist you in controlling your glucose levels before and after meals.
Maintain proper foot hygiene
Appropriate foot hygiene can help a great deal in maintaining diabetic foot care. Inspect the sides, bottom, and tops of your feet, as well as your heels and toes, every day. Look for any signs of irritation to help prevent the formation of more serious wounds. Wash your feet in warm, soapy water on a regular basis, and make sure to thoroughly dry them — especially between your toes!
You should also keep your toes trimmed straight across to avoid ingrown toenails. Also, keep your feet moisturised on a regular basis to avoid rough, dry skin.
Indulge in regular exercising
Increased heart rate, and blood flow improve circulation throughout the body. That is why regular exercise can help combat the effects of diabetes, such as poor blood flow and nerve damage.
You don’t have to start running to reap the benefits of exercise. According to research, a regular walking programme can prevent the development of diabetic neuropathy and slow its progression in patients who already have symptoms.
Moreover, regular exercise can help lower blood sugar levels. This makes diabetes management and blood sugar control easier than diet alone.
Opt for diabetes-friendly footwear
Diabetic foot conditions can get exaggerated if you do not pay attention to the type of shoes you wear. When you have diabetes, it is critical to wear footwear that fits properly. This helps to prevent the formation of blisters and other minor foot wounds. Some diabetic patients believe that specially designed diabetic shoes and inserts are the best footwear.
When shopping for shoes, go later in the day to account for any swelling. Look for shoes made of materials that can accommodate changes in your feet caused by swelling, such as soft leather. Also, remember to wear socks with your shoes!
By implementing these suggestions, you can live a healthier, more active lifestyle while decreasing your chances of developing debilitating foot problems.
Want to find and know more preventive measures for diabetic foot care?
With an overall 23 years of experience, Dr KP Meda is a veteran orthopaedic specialist and a foot doctor in Dubai expert. He has handled many intricate cases and has established a comprehensive approach to diabetic foot treatment in Dubai and ankle service at King’s College Hospital Dubai. He also ensures to discuss ways in which people with diabetes can look after their feet, including regular inspections and proper hygiene. Besides, his approach also intends to reduce the risk of complications and keeps patients feeling healthy and comfortable.
Diabetic people desiring to live a healthful life without having to worry about their feet, schedule an appointment with Dr KP Meda today!
Who is an ideal candidate for bunion surgery?
A bunion (hallux valgus) is a foot condition in which the base of your big toe protrudes on the inside of your foot, creating a bump-like structure. This bump happens when your foot alignment shifts, causing your big toe to move towards your smaller toes. The pressure from the bump against your shoe, as well as your big toe rubbing against your second toe, can cause pain. Furthermore, pain in the ball of the foot can occur as a result of the big toe’s improper alignment.
Primarily, conservative therapies are used to treat bunions. However, if your bunion pain persists despite these treatments and worsens to the point of immobility, our doctor may recommend surgery.
Our physician Dr KP Meda is a well-known ankle and foot specialist. His patients prefer him for his minimal invasive bunion surgery method and his successful track record of handling several such cases.
