The Center for Disease Control estimates that over 100 million Americans currently have diabetes or prediabetes. Type 2, the most common type of diabetes, occurs when your pancreas can’t produce enough insulin or when your body becomes resistant to insulin.
Your body needs insulin to function properly, as it allows cells to absorb glucose, which gives your body energy. Without insulin, glucose can’t be absorbed, which causes high glucose levels in the body that will eventually lead to diabetes if left unchecked.
Signs of Diabetes
Diabetes affects everyone differently, so not everyone shows the same signs of developing it. The following are some of the most common symptoms that patients experience:
- Fatigue
- Dry skin
- Weight loss
- Blurred vision
- Constant thirst
- Frequent urination
- Slow-healing sores
- Numbness in the hands or feet
How does diabetes affect my feet?
One common issue with diabetes is nerve damage, a condition called diabetic neuropathy. This condition can cause you to lose feeling in your extremities, which can be particularly harmful if you get a cut or scrape on your foot. The problem is that you might not even feel it to know to clean it or dress it. It could quickly progress to an infection, which can lead to much more serious consequences like amputation.
Daily diabetic foot checks
One simple way to prevent foot issues is to check your feet on a daily basis. Even a quick glance is better than nothing. Here are some things to pay close attention to:
- Sores
- Cuts or scrapes
- Swelling
- Discoloration
- Red spots
- Blisters
- Calluses
- Ingrown Toenails
One other thing to note is any warm spots. This could indicate a blister or ulcer that is just forming. Catching issues early make them easier to treat.
Caring For Diabetic Feet
In addition to daily foot checks, there are regular activities you can perform to keep your feet healthy. These are not time intensive and go a long way in keeping your feet in great shape:
- Wash daily - Take time to wash between your toes with warm water. This is a great time to do your daily foot checks. After you wash them, it is equally important to dry them thoroughly. If moisture gets trapped in between your toes, it could lead to a fungal infection.
- Trim your toenails correctly - Always trim your nails straight across with the nail about even with your toe. This helps to avoid ingrown toenails, which could easily lead to a serious infection.
- Keep your feet protected - Ensure you’re wearing shoes and socks as often as possible. Walking around barefoot puts you at greater risk to step on something or cut your foot. The shoes you choose should give your feet room to breathe so that moisture does not get trapped inside. If your feet are exposed outside - like at the beach or poolside - keep them protected with footwear and sunscreen!
- Keep the blood flowing - Keeping blood circulating to your feet is important to avoid complications that sometimes come with diabetes. Keep your feet elevated when you’re sitting. Stay physically active as much as your doctor says you can or should. Move your ankles or toes throughout the day when you’re seated or stationary to encourage blood flow.
Partner with a podiatrist
While there are many things a diabetic patient needs to keep track about their health, foot health should definitely be one of them! Foot problems are extremely common with diabetes, so it’s not a matter of IF you develop an issue but WHEN. Be prepared by being proactive about regular visits with an experienced podiatrist, and address issues early before they worsen. If you need a podiatrist you can trust for managing your diabetic foot problems, get in touch with our foot doctors at Foot and Ankle Specialists of Central Ohio! To schedule an appointment, request one online or call us at (614) 339-2000 today!
