Diabetes and Foot Problems

Diabetes is known for being the worst disease that can do damage to your feet.  There are two types of diabetes, Type l and Type ll. Type l is normally related to juvenile diabetes and is often a hereditary disease. The Type ll is more usually known as adult diabetes and is common in people who are overweight and is characterized by high blood sugar levels. 

There is also a pre-diabetes condition also known as Syndrome-X and this is related to high blood pressure levels, people having a high BMI and high cholesterol level often develop this form.  This type can also be associated with the onset of neuropathy, which is the loss of feeling or a tingling sensation in the feet and hands.

The most common foot problem that a person with diabetes can have is in developing foot ulcers. These ulcers will develop on the plantar or bottom of the foot.  This occurs because the person cannot feel the bottom of their foot, when a sore develops it often goes untreated and can develop into a serious ulcer or infection. If this becomes really bad then losing a limb becomes a real possibility.

Treating foot problems is the major concern here. Your family doctor or podiatrist will work to relieve the pressure on your foot, along with preventing any serious infections from developing.

It is really important as a diabetic patient to take care of your feet.  Wearing a good pair of diabetic shoes and socks, possibly along with diabetic insoles is one of the best ways to prevent foot problems from even starting.

A simple way to take care of your feet is to keep your feet clean, washing with warm water and soap every day. Many diabetic patients enjoy using foot spas and these can prove to be really therapeutic.  Diabetics may not have good nerving endings in their feet and can easily burn themselves by using hot water.

Athletes’ foot is another condition which is common in someone suffering from diabetes. If you are suffering from this it is best to change your shoes every other day. Doing this allows lots of time for your shoes to dry out completely.  If you don’t have a pair of diabetes socks, then wear cotton socks which are absorbent as well as applying foot powder daily.

Taking steps to improve your circulation is a huge help in ensuring your feet stay healthy. Massage your legs and feet daily to improve circulation.  Even foot boots are very useful and inexpensive.

By taking proper precautions you can keep your foot health in top shape and not have to worry about developing dangerous diabetes foot problems including sores and ulcers.