What You Need To Know About How Diabetes Affects Your Feet

Individuals dealing with Type 1 or Type two diabetes need to manage their feet due the nature of the disease causing amputation issues directly attributed to diabetic related complications.

Nerve Damage (Neuropathy)

Diabetic neuropathy – Diabetic foot ulcers can also be caused by nerve damage in the feet, which results from high blood sugar levels. And as a result, may become numb or pins and needles or a burning sensation. Even more troubling is that it can also diminish your sense of pain or heat and cold, so you might not notice when things are wrong until they become dangerous.

Poor Blood Circulation

Diabetes patients can have reduced blood flow, especially in a limb. This inhibits movement of blood, which slow down the healing processes and increases likelihood of infections. Otherwise minor cuts or blisters may be slow to heal once the blood flow is impaired.

Increased Infection Risk

Together, bad circulation and high sugar work together like an environment where bacteria loves to live. In these cases, even small wounds can become infected due to lack of access to good wound care.

Foot Deformities

Muscles and tendons in feet can become affected from nerve damage, leading to structural changes such as hammertoes, bunions or charcot foot (a weakening of the bones that causes them to fracture).

Prevention is Key

Daily foot checks if you have diabetes are essential. Look at your feet, checking for cuts, blisters, swelling or colour changes. Adequate footwear, routine visits to a podiatrist and good blood sugar control can prevent many issues. For a Podiatrist Gloucester, visit www.propodiatry.co.uk/podiatry/podiatrist-gloucester/

Early treatment is essential — the smallest problem can quickly lead to life-threatening complications, including amputation in extreme situations. If you have diabetes, foot problems should never be ignored.