Diabetes is a condition that affects a person's blood sugar levels. Over time, constantly fluctuating blood sugar levels can cause damage to nerves and blood vessels in the body. This can be especially true for the feet since blood and nerve messages must travel the furthest to reach them. For this reason, patients with diabetes should pay close attention to their feet and take special precautions to ensure a minor cut does not develop into a serious sore, ulcer or infection.
Diabetic Neuropathy
The most common foot disorder related to diabetes is diabetic neuropathy. This condition results after poor blood sugar control due to diabetes causes damage to the peripheral nerves. Because blood and nerve messages must travel the furthest to reach the feet, damage is most likely to affect foot sensations and healing. Effects due to diabetic neuropathy can be controlled or limited, yet it is difficult to improve previously existing nerve damage.
Symptoms
Symptoms related to diabetic neuropathy include changes in foot shape or size, red or blue skin color, skin temperature changes, open blisters or sores that do not seem to be draining, ingrown toenail, hammer toes, bunions, corns, calluses, chronic feelings of cold feet, and pain, burning, tingling and numbness sensations in the feet.
Preventive Measures
To prevent further damage to the feet, diabetes sufferers should regularly apply lotion to their feet to prevent cracking and calluses. Socks should always be worn with athletic shoes, and shoes should be well-fitting because tight shoes can further cut off circulation. Patients also should daily examine their feet for any changes, including irritation and inflammation.
How a Physician Can Help
In addition to prescribing medications that will help to control blood sugar, insulin monitoring or other treatment methods, a physician or podiatrist should regularly check your feet for cuts or bruises that may not be easily visible to a person, particularly those located on the bottom of the foot. If sores or cuts are left untreated, they can lead to a serious infection that can result in gangrene and possibly amputation in severe circumstances.
Wound Care
Patients who experience open wounds related to diabetic neuropathy should seek treatment from a wound care specialist. A specialist will evaluate any foot problems and use treatment methods such as debridement, which is a method of removing dead skin from the foot. Other treatment options include hyperbaric therapy to promote oxygen flow to the wound to enhance healing and properly wrapping or bandaging the foot to prevent the spread of infection.
