Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is a metabolic disorder characterized by high blood sugar levels caused by the body's inability to produce or use insulin effectively. Diabetes foot problems are one of the most common diabetic symptoms, and if left untreated, they can have catastrophic consequences.
What Are Diabetic Foot Problems?
Diabetic foot issues are a group of disorders that affect diabetics' feet and legs. High blood sugar levels can result in nerve damage (neuropathy) and decreased blood supply to the feet (peripheral arterial disease), which can lead to foot ulcers, infections, and even amputations.
Diabetic foot issues are divided into two types: neuropathic and vascular. Nerve injury causes loss of feeling and restricted blood flow in neuropathic diabetic foot issues. Poor blood flow to the feet and legs causes vascular diabetic foot issues.
How Can Diabetic Foot Issues Be Prevented?
It is critical to prevent diabetic foot issues in order to avoid complications such as infections and amputations. Here are some pointers to help you avoid diabetic foot problems:
- Maintain a healthy blood sugar level
The most important step in preventing diabetic foot issues is to keep your blood sugar levels under control. To control your blood sugar levels, follow your doctor's recommendations for food, exercise, and medication.
- Examine your feet on a regular basis
Examine your feet daily for cuts, blisters, sores, and other symptoms of harm. If necessary, inspect the bottoms of your feet using a mirror.
- Wear appropriate footwear
Select footwear that fit properly and give adequate foot support. Shoes with pointed toes, high heels, or tight-fitting shoes should be avoided since they might create pressure points and blisters.
- Maintain proper foot hygiene
Maintain appropriate foot hygiene by keeping your feet clean and dry. Wash your feet every day with warm water and gentle soap, and thoroughly dry them, especially between the toes.
- Quit smoking
Smoking can restrict blood flow to the foot, making wound healing more difficult. To enhance your foot health and general health, stop smoking.
How Do You Address Diabetic Foot Issues?
Get medical assistance right once if you develop diabetic foot issues. The kind and severity of the foot condition will determine the treatment. The following are some frequent diabetic foot treatments:
- Wound treatment
Good wound care is critical for infection prevention and healing. To help the wound heal, your doctor may clean it, remove dead tissue, and apply a bandage or medicine.
- Antibiotics
Antibiotics may be prescribed by your doctor if you have an infection. Take the entire course of antibiotics as directed.
- Surgery
Surgery may be required in extreme situations to remove contaminated tissue or fix abnormalities that are generating pressure points.
- Blood sugar management
Maintaining healthy blood sugar levels is critical for wound healing. To control your blood sugar levels, follow your doctor's recommendations for food, exercise, and medication.
- Footwear and orthotics
To support your feet and minimize pressure spots, your doctor may suggest special shoes or orthotics.