My Diabetes Information Blogs
Diabetes Weighs Heavily on Feet
11/14/08
Disease Basics
Diabetes is a disease that affects more parts of the body than many people may realize—including the feet.
Because diabetes inhibits proper production or use of insulin—a hormone used to help process sugar in the body—blood glucose levels, or the amount of sugar in the blood rises. This increase in blood sugar can lead to damage in nerves, tissues, and organs.
The feet are especially vulnerable to this particular complication of diabetes. Poor circulation can damage nerves and blood vessels in the feet. can cause health problems ranging from skin changes to ulcers, and even amputation.
When nerves are damaged, they can no longer control the oil and moisture in the feet. Because of that, some people with diabetes experience skin changes in their feet. Feet can become excessively dry, causing the skin to peel and crack.
This problem is fairly easy to treat: After bathing, dry feet and then apply a moisturizer, like lotions or creams. Avoid soaking feet (it can dry them out) and applying moisturizer between toes which can lead to infection.
People with diabetes may also notice that calluses form faster and build up more on their feet. These can be more problematic. If calluses are not taken care of, they can eventually turn into ulcers, or open sores on the feet. Using a pumice stone while washing feet and then moisturizing afterward is one simple way to control callus build up. Or, if a callus becomes bothersome, have a health care provider remove it.
Diabetic foot ulcers are one of the most serious complications of diabetes that affect the feet. They most often occur on the balls of the feet or on the big toe. Ulcers can be painful, while some are not. Regardless, always seek medical attention if a foot ulcer develops. Leaving ulcers untreated can lead to infection and risk of amputation.
Treating an ulcer depends on how far it has progressed. Doctors may clean out dead or infected tissue and culture the wound to determine what type of infection is active in the wound. They may even take x-rays to make sure the infection has not spread to the bone. There are things patients can do to help speed the healing process and prevent foot ulcers:
- Stay off your feet
- Wear properly fitting shoes and socks
- Seek medical attention early
- Protect healing ulcers
- Keep feet clean and the skin healthy
- Trim toenails regularly
- Examine feet regularly
If you have diabetes and have struggled to treat foot ulcers, there is an investigational medication being evaluated that may help ulcers heal. For more information, click here.
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