What is Diabetes?

What is Diabetes? 

Diabetes is a lifelong chronic disease that is caused by high levels of sugar in the blood. It can also decrease your body's ability to fight off infections, which is especially harmful in your feet. When Diabetes is not adequately controlled, damage can occur to the organs, and impairment of the immune system can occur.

Diabetic foot care diagnoses and treats foot conditions related to Diabetes. Specialized care can help prevent your chances of developing foot problems and diabetic infections in the legs and feet. Having poor circulation and numbness in the feet can put you at an increased risk for infection or even amputation.

What are the common problems with associated Diabetes and Your Feet?

Diabetic neuropathy causes the numbness in your feet over time from nerve damage as well as a lessened sense of your feet and toes position while walking. With Diabetes, you may not be able to accurately sense minor injuries, such as cuts, scrapes, and blisters-all signs of abnormal wear, tear, and foot strain. It is important to inspect your feet daily and to visit your podiatrist if any abnormalities develop.

The following can also compromise the health of your feet:

• Poor circulation
• Trauma to the foot
• Infections
• Smoking

Additionally, common diabetic complications usually result from poorly fitting shoes, which can cause red and sore spots, blisters, corns and calluses, and consistent pain while wearing shoes. If you have common foot abnormalities such as flat feet, bunions, or hammertoes, prescription shoes or orthotics may be necessary to protect your feet from further damage.

Diabetes can be extremely dangerous to your feet, so take precautions now. You can avoid serious problems such as losing a toe, foot, or leg by following proper prevention techniques. Remember, prevention is the key to saving your feet and eliminating pain.

Never cut corns or calluses with any instrument, and never apply home remedies, except under a podiatrist's instructions.

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