Connection Between Type 2 Diabetes And Your Feet

One of the most common and serious concerns in diabetes patients is foot problems. From calluses and corns to blisters and ulcers, you can develop numerous foot problems in diabetes if proper care is not taken. Infections in feet may cause foot ulcers and may even lead to amputations. Foot problems in type 2 diabetes are more common because most of the time, the symptoms of type 2 diabetes get ignored and your blood sugar levels get out of control. In this case, high blood sugar levels can make your feet more prone to problems. At times, foot problems are developed even before type 2 diabetes has been diagnosed, leading to some serious health concerns. 

Symptoms Of Diabetes-Related Foot Problems

• Numbness or tingling sensation in feet
• Loss of sensation in feet
• Wounds without pain
• Cuts, blisters or red spots on feet
• Corns or calluses
• Dry or cracked skin
• Wounds not getting healed in due time

Causes Of Foot Problems In Diabetes

Diabetic Neuropathy

High blood sugar levels can cause damage to nerves and blood vessels in the body. People who have diabetic neuropathy either feel extreme pain in their feet or no pain at all. Damaged nerves can also lead to loss of sensation in the feet, due to which, people with diabetes may suffer from wounds but remain unaware of it, which might lead to infections and ulcers in their feet. Type 2 diabetes patients are at a higher risk of getting diabetic neuropathy as they may take time to identify symptoms of diabetes and get the disease diagnosed.   

Poor Blood Circulation

People with diabetes may develop diabetic vascular disease. It is a condition in which blood vessels narrow down and impair the flow of blood to the limbs. High blood sugar levels can also thicken the blood and may affect the circulation in the body. Poor circulation in feet can adversely affect the body’s ability to heal foot wounds, causing further damage to the feet.  

Weak Immune System

Uncontrolled blood sugar levels cause damage to the immune system by reducing the number of white blood cells or their ability to fight diseases. A weak immune system may delay the process of healing wounds, making feet more prone to infections and ulcers.  

Tips For Diabetic Foot Care

The best way to take care of your feet in diabetes is by controlling your blood sugar levels. Follow your doctor’s recommendations and take medications sincerely. Controlled blood sugar levels will reduce your chances of getting diabetic neuropathy as well as increase your chances to heal wounds faster.   

Nutrition is extremely important in diabetes. Having a balanced and nutritious diet will keep your blood sugar levels controlled and prevent damage to your feet. Include fruits, vegetables and whole grains in your diet and avoid processed and packaged food to control diabetes effectively.

Exercising improves the blood circulation in your body, especially in your feet. Stay active and exercise every day to keep your feet healthy.

Wash and clean your feet regularly. This will reduce the chances of getting infections and other foot problems. Make sure your feet are dry all the time. 

If you have corn and calluses, consult your doctor to figure out the best way to take care of them. If proper care is not taken, they may develop into ulcers.

Trim your nails regularly. This will prevent toenails from causing any cuts or damage to the skin.

Wear comfortable shoes and socks all the time. This will prevent your feet from getting sores and blisters. You must never walk barefoot if you have diabetes. 

Keep your feet up high when you are sitting and wiggle your feet and toes occasionally to keep the blood circulation active.

Whenever you visit your doctor, make sure to get your feet checked for any complications. Regular check-ups can help you monitor your foot health.

Do self check-ups of your feet every day. Look out for wounds, blisters and cuts to prevent infections. 

In case of any wound, clean it with water and soap immediately and apply an antibiotic cream on it. This will prevent the wound from forming an infection. Consult your doctor if the wound doesn’t heal soon.

The Final Word

Foot problems are common in diabetes, especially type 2 diabetes. Special care of your feet needs to be taken in order to prevent diabetic foot problems. There are many causes of foot problems in diabetes. Understanding the cause of the same will help you prevent further damage to the feet. With proper foot care and by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, one can avoid foot problems in diabetes quite effectively.

Reference Links:

1. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/preventing-problems/foot-problems#:~:text=Over%20time%2C%20diabetes%20may%20cause,lead%20to%20cuts%20and%20sores.
2. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/library/features/healthy-feet.html
3. https://www.healthline.com/health/type-2-diabetes/feet
4. https://www.diabetes.org/diabetes/complications/foot-complications
5. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/317504#symptoms