Foot Complications In Diabetes
Proper foot care should be an important part of a diabetic's daily routine. High blood glucose levels can damage the blood vessels that carry oxygen and nutrients to the legs and feet. This can lead to nerve damage, poor circulation, infections and foot deformities. Diabetes is often associated with foot problems and amputation. Not including those caused by accidents or trauma, more than 60% of lower-limb amputations performed each year are on people with diabetes.
What to Look For
The American Diabetes Association recommends all individuals with diabetes should receive an annual foot examination to identify high-risk foot conditions. People with one or more high-risk foot conditions should be evaluated more frequently for the development of additional risk factors. People with neuropathy should have a visual inspection of their feet at every visit with a health care professional.
Doctor visit is required in case one experiences any of the following symptoms:
- Pain or less sensitivity in the leg or foot
- Cuts or breaks in the skin
- Ingrown nails
- Changes in the shape of foot
- Corns or calluses
Healthy Diabetic Foot-Care Habits
By keeping blood glucose level within the range recommended by doctor and paying special attention to feet every day, one can be able to prevent long-term complications.
For healthy toes and feet, following these simple steps helps:
- Check feet regularly - look for redness, sores, swelling etc.
- Wear comfortable shoes that fit
- Wash your feet daily with soap and lukewarm water
- Moisturize feet daily to avoid dry skin
- Trim toenails straight across and not too short
- Get medical advice early if one notices any change or problem
Related Posts:
Centers for complications Control and Prevention. National diabetes fact sheet, 2007. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/pubs/pdf/ndfs_2007.pdf.
Preventive foot care in people with diabetes (Technical Review). Diabetes Care 21:2161 - 2177, 1998. Available at http://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/27/suppl_1/s63.full
National Institute of Diabetes and digestive and Kidney Complications. Prevent diabetes problems: keep your feet and skin healthy." Available at: http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/dm/pubs/complications_feet/.
