Diabetes patients frequently suffer from foot disorders and complications. Everyday foot problems, such as a small cut or callus, can evolve into a serious problem. According to Podiatry Channel at HealthCommunities.com.com, leg and foot problems are the most common reason for diabetes hospitalization. The National Institutes of Health encourages daily foot care and proper management of blood sugar levels to avoid diabetic foot problems. Ignoring diabetic foot symptoms can lead to serious consequences. According to the American Podiatric Medical Association, the rate of amputations for diabetics is 10 times more than for non-diabetics.
Loss of Sensation
Many diabetics lack sensation in their feet due to nerve damage, also known as neuropathy. A diabetic is unable to sense pain, heat or a foot injury. A diabetic can lose his balance and coordination to the lack of sensation in his feet. A burning sensation or shooting pain may also occur in the feet. The symptom is not immediate, but slowly develops over time, advises Podiatry Channel. The National Institutes of Health points out symptoms often increase at night. Patients can become unable to recognize foot injuries and additional foot problems due to the decreased sensation. Diabetics are encouraged to visit a podiatrist for foot care, including nail trimmings and calluses removal. A person may not sense if he has cut or injured himself when caring for his feet.
Skin Changes
Skin on the feet often becomes dry and cracked. The skin may begin to peel off the foot, because the nerves in the foot that control oil no longer work. The American Diabetes Association suggests patients moisturize feet with a thin coat of petroleum jelly or fragrance-free ointment. Patients should not put any moisturizing products between their toes to avoid complications such as athlete's foot from occurring.
Foot Ulcers
Diabetics often suffer from foot ulcers. The ulcers may not be detected, due to neuropathy, until they have become heavily infected. According to the American Diabetes Association, ulcers commonly form on the ball of the foot, or underneath the large toe. The association points out, ulcers forming on the side of the foot commonly result because of ill-fitting shoes. Ulcers heal much slower in diabetics due to poor circulation leading to decreased oxygenation and nutrients to the infected site. Severely infected ulcers cause gangrene and tissue death. The foot's bone may become infected. A foot or lower limb amputation may be required if the infection cannot heal. Amputations in diabetics are common. The American Podiatric Medical Association states a lower limb is lost to diabetic complications every 30 seconds.
