Diabetes Foot Care
Overview
People with diabetes often have problems with their feet. People with diabetes may develop foot develop sores, deformities and infections more easily.
If not treated quickly, a foot ulcer or blister on a person with diabetes can get infected. Sometimes a surgeon must amputate (remove) a toe, foot or part of the leg to prevent the spread of infection.
Who might have problems with diabetes-related foot conditions?
Foot problems often occur in people with diabetes, especially among those who have:
- Nerve damage or poor blood flow in the feet.
- Trouble managing blood glucose levels over long periods, including frequent episodes of hyperglycemia (blood sugar that’s too high).
- Weight problems.
- Had diabetes for a long time.
- High blood pressure or high cholesterol.
How common are diabetes-related foot conditions?
The chance that a person with diabetes will develop a foot condition at some time in their life is about 15%.
Symptoms
Long-term high blood sugar can cause a type of nerve damage called diabetes-related neuropathy. Diabetes-related neuropathy can occur throughout the body, but most often in the legs and feet.
The condition might make you lose feeling in your feet. If your feet are numb, you might not notice a blister, cut or sore. You might not even feel a pebble in your sock that is cutting your foot, for example. Wounds that go unnoticed and untreated can become infected.
Diabetes can also affect blood flow to your legs and feet. People with diabetes are more likely to develop peripheral artery disease (PAD). This condition causes arteries to become narrowed or blocked. Reduced blood flow (poor circulation) can make it difficult for a diabetes-related foot ulcer or infection to heal.
What are the symptoms of diabetes-related neuropathy?
The signs of diabetes-related neuropathy may include:
- Darkened skin on the affected area.
- Diminished ability to sense hot or cold.
- Loss of hair in the area.
- Numbness.
- Pain.
- Tingling.
If diabetes-related neuropathy leads to foot ulcers, symptoms to watch out for include:
- Any changes to the skin or toenails, including cuts, blisters, calluses or sores.
- Discharge of fluid or pus.
- Foul smell.
- Pain.
- Redness.
- Skin discoloration.
- Swelling.