Diabetic Foot

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease where blood glucose is higher than normal. According to the International Diabetes Federation, approximately 246 million people worldwide live with diabetes and an additional 7 million people develop diabetes each year.

Diabetes affects the feet in various ways:

1. Neuropathy

Diabetes can damage the nerves of the feet resulting in a reduced sense of pain, temperature, pressure and touch. This damage is caused gradually and you may not be aware that it has occurred. This means that you may injure your feet without realizing it, forming a blister or sore. If you do not feel pain and the above go unnoticed then it can become infected and cause more damage. Symptoms may include burning, tingling or stinging of the feet, especially at night.

2. Vascular disease

Both diabetes and smoking can damage the arteries in the legs and cause a reduction in blood flow. This means that the skin can become brittle and form sores that are difficult to heal. The symptoms may be pain in the calf when walking.

3. Increased Risk of Infections

In people with diabetes, minor injuries have a higher risk of infection (possibly due to high blood sugar).

Most foot problems can be prevented if they are noticed at an early stage and given the necessary care and treatment. Of course, do not forget that people with diabetes can suffer from foot diseases as well as people who do not have diabetes.

Regularly visit diabetic foot specialists to check your feet for diabetes complications. According to international guidelines, such tests should be performed to all people with diabetes at least once a year.