If you have diabetes, you need to take extra care of your blood sugar levels, as well as your feet. And that's your feet. You might be wondering, "What's the connection between diabetes and feet?" There's actually a strong connection between the two. If diabetes isn't properly controlled, it can cause serious damage to your feet. But don't worry. If you're aware of this and take good care of your feet, you can avoid this risk.
How does diabetes affect the feet?
Simply put, diabetes affects your feet in two main ways.
1. Diabetic Neuropathy: When your blood sugar levels are uncontrolled and high for a long time, it can damage the nerves in your legs and feet. This is called "Sensory Diabetic Neuropathy." What happens when this happens? Your feet lose sensation . You lose the ability to feel things like heat, cold, and pain. Imagine, if there is a small pebble in your shoe or a small thorn in your foot, you won't feel it. Then the wound will grow bigger without you even realizing it, and there is a high chance that it will fester and become infected.
2. Peripheral Vascular Disease: Diabetes also affects the blood circulation in your body. Especially in the limbs, the blood vessels become thin and the blood flow is reduced. Because of this, if you get a small wound or scrape on your feet, it will take a long time to heal. Because a wound needs a good blood supply to heal. If the blood circulation is too poor, the wound will not heal and the tissue will start to rot and die (Gangrene) . This is a very dangerous condition.
For these two reasons, we take even the smallest scrape on the feet of someone with diabetes very seriously.
Common foot problems associated with diabetes
The problems below can happen to anyone, but if they happen to someone with diabetes, they can quickly become serious infections.
| Problem | Description and what to do |
|---|---|
| Athlete's Foot (a fungal infection similar to ringworm) | The skin between the toes is cracked, red, and itchy. These cracks can allow germs to enter. Use an antifungal cream or tablets prescribed by your doctor. |
| Fungal Nail Infection | The nails become yellow-brown, thickened, and easily brittle. The warm, moist environment inside shoes encourages fungal growth. It is difficult to treat, so seek medical advice. |
| Calluses | It is usually caused by thickening of the skin on the soles of the feet. After bathing, while the skin is still soft, use a pumice stone to scrub the area. Never cut with sharp objects. |
| Corns | Thickened skin that forms on the top of the toes or between the toes. Wearing ill-fitting shoes is a major cause. Treat it like a callus. Don't cut it. |
| Blisters | They form when shoes rub against the same spot repeatedly. Don't break them. The skin over the blister protects it from infection. Apply an antiseptic cream and cover it with a clean bandage. |
| Diabetic Foot Ulcers | A crack or deep wound in the skin. It can start with a small scratch. These can quickly become infected. See a doctor as soon as you see them. |
| Ingrown Toenails | The corner of the nail can dig into the skin, causing pain, swelling, and infection. When cutting your nails, cut them straight across. Do not round the corners. If this problem persists, see a doctor. |
Swelling and pain in the feet
Edema is also common in people with diabetes. This can be caused by poor blood circulation, heart disease, or kidney problems. Also, nerve damage (neuropathy) can cause pain, numbness, and tingling in the feet. In such cases, it is best to discuss your medications with your doctor to find the best treatment.
Pay attention to these signs!
If you have diabetes and notice any of the symptoms below in your feet, let your doctor know immediately .
- A change in the color of the skin on the soles of the feet.
- Changes in skin temperature (one foot being hotter or colder than the other).
- Swelling in the ankle or lower leg.
- Pain in the legs.
- Wounds that are slow to heal or ooze pus.
- Fungal or ingrown toenails.
- Kandalam or Karagata.
- Dry and cracked skin around the heels.
- An unusual, persistent odor coming from the feet.
Be sure to do these things to take care of your feet.
Good foot hygiene can prevent many serious problems. Make these tips a part of your routine.
1. Take care of yourself and your diabetes: Follow your doctor's instructions regarding diet, exercise, and medication. Keep your blood sugar levels within the recommended range.
2. Check your feet every day: Look carefully at the top, bottom, and between your toes. Look for sores, blisters, redness, and swelling. This is easy to do with a mirror.
3. Keep your feet clean: Wash your feet every day with lukewarm water and a mild soap. Test the temperature of the water with your elbow first, as your hands may also have lost sensation. After washing, dry them thoroughly, especially between your toes.
4. Keep your skin moisturized: If your skin is dry, apply a moisturizing lotion after washing. But don't apply it between your toes . Ask your doctor about the right type of lotion for you.
5. Trim your nails properly: Check your nails once a week. When trimming your nails, cut them straight across. Do not round the corners.
6. Always wear shoes or sandals: Don't walk around barefoot, even indoors. This can reduce the chances of minor injuries.
7. Wear shoes that fit well: Choose shoes that are loose, have plenty of room, and are made of leather or canvas. Always put your hand inside your shoes before putting them on to check for any debris.
8. Maintain good blood circulation: Keep your legs elevated when sitting. Don't keep your legs crossed all the time. Move your toes and ankles several times a day.
9. If you smoke, stop immediately: Smoking further weakens blood circulation.
These are serious situations, please be aware of them immediately.
If foot problems are not taken care of, they can develop into very serious conditions.
- Infections: Even a small wound can become a major infection, sometimes requiring hospitalization for treatment.
- Abscess: The infection can spread to the bone or tissue and form a pus-filled lump.
- Gangrene: When blood flow is lost, tissue begins to die.
- Charcot Foot: Nerve damage causes the bones in the feet to weaken and break without realizing it. Continuing to walk on that foot can completely change the shape of the foot and cause it to become deformed.
- Amputation: If an infection cannot be controlled, or gangrene develops, a toe, foot, or part of a leg may need to be surgically removed to save life.
It's important to be aware of these serious conditions so you can prevent them before they occur. All of this can be avoided with a little care for your feet.
Take-Home Message
- Manage your diabetes well. Keeping your blood sugar levels within the right range is the most important thing.
- Check your feet thoroughly every day, without missing a single day.
- Never walk barefoot. Wear comfortable shoes that fit you well.
- Don't ignore even the slightest wound, scratch, or redness on your feet.
- If you notice a problem or have any doubts, see your doctor without delay. Go for regular medical checkups.
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