Diabetes is a disease in which your blood glucose, or blood sugar, levels are too high. Glucose comes from foods you eat. The cells of your body need glucose for energy. A hormone called insulin helps the glucose get into your cells. Show
With type 1 diabetes, your body doesn't make insulin. With type 2 diabetes, your body doesn't make or use insulin well. Without enough insulin, glucose can't get into your cells as quickly as usual. The glucose builds up in your blood and causes high blood sugar levels. How does diabetes cause foot problems?Foot problems are common in people with diabetes. They can happen over time when high blood sugar damages the nerves and blood vessels in the feet. The nerve damage, called diabetic neuropathy, can cause numbness, tingling, pain, or a loss of feeling in your feet. If you can't feel pain, you may not know when you have a cut, blister, or ulcer (open sore) on your foot. A wound like that could get infected. The infection may not heal well because the damaged blood vessels can cause poor blood flow in your feet. Having an infection and poor blood flow can lead to gangrene. That means the muscle, skin, and other tissues start to die. If you have gangrene or a foot ulcer that does not get better with treatment, you may need an amputation. This is a surgery to cut off your damaged toe, foot, or part of your leg. It may prevent a bad infection from spreading and could save your life. But there's a lot you can do to prevent a foot wound from becoming a major health problem. How can I protect my feet if I have diabetes?The best way to protect your feet is by controlling your blood sugar levels every day. This will help keep nerve and blood vessel damage from getting worse. The next step is to keep the skin of your feet healthy. Good foot care for people with diabetes includes:
When should I see my health care provider about diabetic foot problems?Serious foot problems can develop quickly. See your health care provider right away if you notice:
Remember, controlling your blood sugar and caring for your feet every day are the best steps you can take to prevent serious diabetic foot problems. NIH: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Start Here
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National Institutes of HealthThe primary NIH organization for research on Diabetic Foot is the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases DisclaimersMedlinePlus links to health information from the National Institutes of Health and other federal government agencies. MedlinePlus also links to health information from non-government Web sites. See our disclaimer about external links and our quality guidelines. What are the four possible complications of a diabetic foot?The basics of foot complications. Neuropathy. Although it can hurt, diabetic nerve damage can also lessen your ability to feel pain, heat, and cold. ... . Skin changes. Diabetes can cause changes in the skin of your foot. ... . Calluses. ... . Poor circulation. ... . Foot ulcers. ... . Amputation.. Why can't diabetics soak their feet?Soaking the feet can dry out the skin. This can worsen the foot problems that people with diabetes experience.
Is it OK to soak your feet if you are diabetic?Don't soak your feet. Don't use hot water, a heating pad or a massager on your feet. Don't go barefoot. Don't use adhesive tape or chemicals on the skin of your feet.
What should diabetics avoid doing?Your main goals should include staying away from unhealthy fats, liquid sugars, processed grains, and other foods that contain refined carbs. Avoiding foods that increase your blood sugar levels and drive insulin resistance can help keep you healthy and reduce your risk of future diabetes complications.
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