People may not be overly concerned about their feet in general, but they should keep an eye on the condition of their feet when they have diabetes.
Over time, high blood sugar can damage the nerves in the body’s feet, which can lead to loss of sensation in the feet. This is neuropathy, said Dr. Robert W. Herpen, a podiatrist and associate professor at Temple University College of Podiatric Medicine in Philadelphia, Pa. Neuropathy can also cause symptoms such as burning, pain or tingling.
In addition, too much sugar in the blood can damage arteries and reduce blood flow to the foot. “If there is a trauma (such as a cut), the body can’t repair the infection with enough blood flow,” Herpen said. This can lead to uncontrolled infection, gangrene (tissue death), bone infection and even amputation.
Having diabetes does not necessarily lead to foot complications. But it is important for patients to keep a close eye on their health.
The first step? To do this, Herpen says, patients need to eat healthy foods, check the amount of carbohydrates they consume, and exercise regularly. If needed, patients will also need to lose weight.
The next step? “Check your feet daily for infections,” Herpen said. Use a mirror to get a better check, or ask a relative or friend for help.
Look carefully for any changes in skin color, as well as any cuts, corns, calluses, blisters or ingrown toenails. If corns or calluses appear, “don’t try to treat them yourself,” Herpen says, “and don’t remove them yourself. Instead, see a podiatrist.
Daily foot care is just as important as daily foot exams. wash your feet with warm water, use a mild soap, gently dry your feet, and moisturize with lotion, Herpen says. However, don’t apply it between your toes, as the excess moisture can lead to infection.
What other steps can patients take to avoid complications? Don’t go barefoot, even at home, Herpen says. Because going barefoot can cause foot injury if you step on something without knowing it.
Herpen recommends that patients wear white socks. “If there is an ulcer or blister, it will be reflected in the sock” to prompt early treatment.
Wear the right shoes. Look for comfortable shoes with double padding and soft leather shoes to avoid blisters from foot friction.
“The most important thing is to choose the right shoe,” Herpen said, adding that if the disease has changed the shape of the patient’s foot, then shoes for people with diabetes can be chosen based on a doctor’s recommendation.
Herpen also said that if a patient does develop neuropathy, then medication can help.
The American Diabetes Association recommends that to avoid foot problems, patients need to control their blood sugar, check their feet daily and maintain foot hygiene, and see their doctor or podiatrist for a foot exam at least every 12 months. increase the frequency of visits to your doctor if any foot problems occur, Herpen said.
Herpen said, “We see some people in their 80s or 90s who still have good foot health because these seniors are taking care of their blood sugar levels. If there are any changes, they go to a podiatrist.”
Consult your doctor
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