Diabetic Problems

People with diabetes are susceptible to a number of potentially serious foot health complications. Damage caused by sugar levels can affect blood vessels and nerves resulting in reduced immunity and diminished sensation known as neuropathy.

Diagnosis

Your chiropodist will diagnose potential issues through regular foot health check ups that include a comprehensive physical exam of the feet and ankles. Regular neurological testing is performed to gauge a patient’s sensation ability, and complaints of burning, numbness, or pins and needles-like tingling can all be signs of neuropathy.

Treatment

Since there are such a wide range of potential foot problems, treatment will vary depending on the condition. Great emphasis is put on prevention. Diabetic foot problems are often the result of secondary issues such as infected ingrowntoenails, pressure points or injuries thatresult in skin breakdown, or improper footwear. Education on proper homeprocedures and foot inspections will be dispensed. People with diabetes who suffer from warts, corns, or calluses should never treat these problems at home since over-the-counter remedies orimproper callus removal can result in serious complications. Always see your chiropodist.

Without Treatment

Problems from diabetes are the leading cause of non-injury related amputations. Wounds and serious infections can quickly manifest. Loss of sensation can compound this problem, since diabetics suffering from neuropathy may not feel painfrom cuts, blisters, or even a bath that is too hot – all of which can result in infections or skin breakdown. Both neurological problems that alter the normal movements of your lower body and structural foot problems can cause pressure points that may also lead to skin breakdown.

People with diabetes are more prone to warts, fungal toenails, and skin infections like athlete’s foot due to their reduced immune response.