Condition

Diabetic Feet

Diabetes may affect your feet in a number of ways. One of the early changes can be loss of sensation (peripheral neuropathy) in your feet, often starting at the toes.

What is it?

Diabetes is a disease that develops from high blood glucose levels which can cause damage to the nerve systems in your body by stopping important messages getting to and from your brain. The nerves most likely to be affected are the longest ones – those that reach all the way down to your legs and feet. This nerve damage is called neuropathy and may lead to postural changes in your feet such as clawing of toes and the bones of the foot can be more inclined to fracture.

High blood glucose levels can also damage your blood vessels and thereby circulation to your feet and legs, due to less blood getting to your skin, muscles and tissues. Diabetes may also affect your ability to heal and reduce your natural ability to fight bacteria and fungal infections. Consequently, you should take particular care of any scratches, cuts or blisters on your feet.

When to see your Podiatrist

If you experience any form of neuropathy or pain or discomfort, it is advisable to consult your Diabetic Clinic or Podiatrist, since it is possible in many cases to alleviate these symptoms.

OR

If you see any of the following in your feet, you should also seek medical attention or consult your Podiatrist

Walking becomes more difficult

Applying or wearing shoes becomes more difficult

Tingling sensation or pins and needles

Part or all of your foot becomes swollen

Breaks in the skin open sores/blisters or a discharge

Skin colour changes (redder, bluer, paler, blacker) over part or all of the foot

Swelling in your feet and/or an unusual odour

Part or all of your foot feels much hotter or colder than usual

Hard skin (callus)

Cramp in your calves