Info About Diabetes

Diabetes and feet - it’s one of the more widely-recognized issues of having diabetes.  But why are the legs and feet affected, and what makes it worse?  And can you avoid diabetes foot problems?  Let’s take a look

Diabetes and Feet:  Cause of the Problem

The general term for diabetes-related foot and leg issues is called diabetic neuropathy.  While neuropathy can relate to any nerve problem, it’s most commonly an issue in your extremities — especially your feet.

Here’s a simplified version of the problem.  With diabetes, several things happen.  The excess sugar attacks your blood vessels, impeding circulation.  This makes it harder for blood to get to where its going.

Because of the distance from your heart to your feet, circulation is especially poor.  This can lead to swelling of the feet and legs by blood pooling.

Now the second part of the diabetes and feet equation is your loss of sensation.  Say for example you have a sore on the side of your foot, where you don’t normally look, and because of the neuropathy, you can’t feel it.  You don’t take are of it; the sore gets infected, and you may still not realize it.  And that can lead to further complications, up to and including gangrene and death.

Diabetes Foot Care

It’s extremely important to examine your feet on a regular basis, to make sure there are no sores that aren’t healing.  If you do find sores that aren’t healing well, notify your doctor.

If you are finding a problem with your feet and ankles swelling, support hose are part of your treatment.

Drink plenty of water, which helps to release water retained in your body — that can also help with the swelling.

Eat reasonably; as a diabetic you know what you should and shouldn’t eat.  If you don’t know, a visit to a dietician who is familiar with diabetes may be in order.

Exercise regularly, even if it’s just a walk or two around the block.  You need to get your blood circulating.  Not to mention exercise helps to stabilize your blood sugar.

Diabetic foot care may seem like a small issue at first.  But take care of your feet (and your body) and it may never become a big issue.