Diabetes can affect your feet due to several reasons:
1. Nerve Damage (Neuropathy)
- Peripheral Neuropathy: This is the most common type of diabetic neuropathy, affecting the feet and legs first. Symptoms include numbness, tingling, and a reduced ability to feel pain or temperature changes. This can lead to unnoticed Show Full Answer
Diabetes can affect your feet due to several reasons:
1. Nerve Damage (Neuropathy):
- Peripheral Neuropathy: This is the most common type of diabetic neuropathy, affecting the feet and legs first. Symptoms include numbness, tingling, and a reduced ability to feel pain or temperature changes. This can lead to unnoticed injuries.
- Autonomic Neuropathy: Affects bodily functions like blood pressure and digestion, which can indirectly impact foot health.
2. Reduced Blood Supply:
- Diabetes can reduce blood flow to the feet, making it difficult for injuries to heal and increasing the risk of infections.
3. Increased Risk of Infections:
- High blood sugar levels can make it easier for bacteria to grow, leading to infections. Common infections include skin infections on the feet.
4. Complications:
- Foot problems like ulcers, infections, deformities, and damage to bones and joints can occur. If left untreated, these issues may lead to amputation.
5. Loss of Sensation:
- Nerve damage can lead to a loss of sensation, making it difficult to feel sores, blisters, or injuries.
Preventive Measures:
- Regularly inspect your feet, especially after a shower or at the end of the day.
- Apply a clean dressing with an antiseptic if you notice a blister and contact your podiatrist or physician.
- Inspect the insides of your shoes before putting them on.
Sources:
- Neuropathy and Diabetes | DiabetesTeam
- If You Have Diabetes, Foot Care a Must | DiabetesTeam
August 22
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