How Feet Are Affected By Diabetes

One of the most serious complications arising from long-term diabetes conditioning affects the individual's feet. These two columns are where the whole body plants itself either for mobility or for stability.

There are two ways that the feet of an individual suffering from diabetes can be severely affected. These are as follows:

Diabetic Neuropathy. This is essentially damage to the nerves of the feet caused by diabetes. Because of the increased viscosity and the lack of insulin, the nerves of the feet are unable to function properly. The result is that the feet and/or legs would not be able to feel anything. Thus a cut or sore or some other injury would not be felt and seen, leading to major infection issues. When left unattended, these injuries can result in sepsis or gangrene, leading to possible amputation and other foot issues.

Peripheral Vascular Disease. With diabetes, the blood flow in and around the legs and feet also become affected. This is a result to the viscosity of the blood as well as the increased presence of sugar crystals scratches and injures the blood vessels. When they heal, there is scar tissue that limits the blood flow even further. This can result in major health issues especially when there are injuries and other health issues such as having a blood clot leading to possible health concerns such as gangrene and sepsis. The most effective way to prevent the spread of these health issues, amputation is done on the infected extremity.

Foot Ulcers. When there is a wound or break on the skin, infection would set in. This is because the immune system is compromised because of the lack of proper nourishment for the cells. As a result, this wound heals very slowly leading to problems especially when infection sets in. Doubled with the previous two health issues, then there is grave danger for the feet of the individual suffering from diabetes.

There many simple ways that grave complications arising from diabetes can be avoided. Checking the feet daily and washing them with soap and disinfectant can avoid germs and other infectious agents from breeding in the feet. When one discovers a wound or scrape, no matter how small, applying the proper first aid to prevent infection and the wound from further injury. From there, having your feet checked by a doctor can only help prevent foot issues in the long run for the individual.

Bobby Castro is the online editor at the Diabetes Forum, where he has published a number of articles about diabetes complications and many other topics.