Diabetic Foot Can Be the Result Of Unbalanced Blood Sugars for Diabetics
Diabetes is a disease that affects the body's ability to use blood sugar for energy. This disease can cause a wide variety of health problems, including what’s sometimes known as the diabetic foot. Diabetic foot is among the most common complications of diabetes and occurs when high blood sugar levels damage the nerves and blood vessels. This can lead to a number of problems, such as reduced blood flow to the feet, nerve damage, and infection. The signs and symptoms of the diabetic foot include: Changes in skin color or texture, swelling or blisters on the feet, pain in the feet that does not go away, feeling a sensation of pins and needles or numbness in the feet, and sores or ulcers on the feet that do not heal properly. With proper care and treatment, most people with diabetic feet can return to normal activities.
How Diabetes Affects The Foot
There are a few ways that diabetes can affect the foot. High blood sugar levels can damage the nerves and blood vessels in the feet, leading to problems such as reduced blood flow to the feet and nerve damage. In addition, people with diabetes are more likely to get infections than those without the disease. These infections can occur in any part of the body, but they often start in the feet. This is because high blood sugar levels make it difficult for the body to fight off infection. Finally, people with diabetes are also at risk for developing diabetic foot ulcers. Foot ulcers are sores that develop on the feet. Left untreated, it can lead to amputation, posing numerous challenges for people with diabetes. This is because the feet are the foundation of a person's entire body. The feet are responsible for carrying one from one place to another and keeping their weight supported throughout each day. When a foot is amputated, these abilities become severely limited, if not impossible.
Keeping One's Feet Healthy as a Diabetic
Keeping one's feet healthy as a diabetic is extremely important for several reasons. First, it will allow one to continue living normally and being independent. Second, their risk of developing severe health problems such as amputation significantly reduces when they care for their feet properly. Finally, the pain that comes with having an infection in the foot can be unbearable at times; preventing infections through proper foot care will ensure that diabetics are not in chronic pain. There are several steps to keeping one's feet healthy as a diabetic, including:
- Monitoring blood sugar levels on a regular basis: This is the most critical step in preventing any health complication, including diabetic foot. By keeping track of blood sugar levels, one can catch any sudden spikes or drops and adjust their medication accordingly.
- Exercising regularly: This will help improve blood flow to the feet
- Keeping the feet clean and dry: It includes washing them daily with soap and water, drying them gently with a clean towel, and applying moisturizer when necessary
- Eating healthy: This includes reducing the amount of salt in one's diet and eating plenty of fruits and vegetables
- Seeing a doctor if any problems persist with the feet: It is important to remember that diabetic foot is a serious condition, and one should not attempt to self-treat it. Seeing a doctor as soon as any symptoms of the diabetic foot appear is the best way to ensure that the problem is addressed and does not worsen.
Diabetic Neuropathy
Diabetic neuropathy is a common complication of diabetes that affects the nerves. It can cause tingling, numbness, burning pain, and weakness in the feet and legs. Some people with diabetic neuropathy also experience problems with bowel or bladder control. This condition does not go away even if blood sugar levels are brought under control. However, there are treatments available that can help lessen its symptoms. People with diabetic neuropathy should take the following precautions to help prevent foot problems:
- Inspect feet regularly for cuts, sores, or ingrown toenails and treat them immediately
- Avoid walking barefoot
- Wear shoes that fit well and are made of breathable materials
- Use cushioned insoles in shoes
- Avoid crossing the ankles when standing or sitting
- Stretch the feet and legs regularly
- Elevate the feet when resting
- Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day
- Take medications as prescribed by a doctor to help relieve pain
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