Diabetes is a disease that can cause several complications in the body. Consistent high blood sugar can hinder the immune system, as well as attack nerves and blood vessels. The collective effects of diabetes often result in foot-related complications in diabetics, which can result in the need for lower limb amputation in some situations. There are effective ways to prevent these complications and to treat them when addressed at an early stage. We take a closer look at these complications and how to prevent them.
Common Foot-Related Complications In Diabetics
Uncontrolled blood sugar can cause severe damage to nerves and even hurt your circulation. These are issues that can have a significant impact on your health. In those with diabetes, common complications include diabetic foot ulcers, as well as infections.
The major problem here is the fact that nerve damage often affects the lower extremities. When this happens, you may lose sensations in your feet. While you may experience tingling, numbness is also common when it comes to nerve damage. This means it becomes harder to detect injuries to your feet and legs.
If you get a cut on your feet without noticing it, then you may find yourself at risk of infection. Since you are diabetic, circulation to your feet may already be compromised. This means your immune system takes a longer time to heal the wound and fight off the infection, increasing the risk of foot ulcers and, in severe cases, even gangrene. The development of gangrene can also happen when blood flow is too weak in some regions of your lower extremities.
When these infections go untreated or you develop gangrene, then the risk of amputation becomes a reality. When doctors try various treatments to help address the problem, and nothing seems to work, they will usually consider amputating the part of the foot or leg that are affected. This strategy can help to prevent gangrene or a serious infection from spreading further throughout your body.
Understanding these risks is crucial for individuals with diabetes. It will help to prepare you and ensure you know what to expect, especially if you do not implement the necessary strategies to manage your diabetes and its related complications.
Prevention Strategies
Now that we have taken a closer look at common foot-related complications that are associated with diabetes, we should turn our focus to prevention strategies. When it comes to a disease like diabetes, prevention is always the best possible outcome compared to trying to treat existing complications.
We are going to discuss a couple of prevention strategies that are effective at preventing diabetes foot complications. These strategies can also go a long way in helping you recover from existing complications that have already developed.
Blood Sugar Control
The main culprit behind nerve and blood vessel damage in those with diabetes is high blood sugar levels. When you do not regulate your blood glucose levels properly, it causes consistent damage to nerves, blood vessels, arteries, and even to your organs. As the damage accumulates, blood circulation to your lower extremities is compromised. Additionally, you also face nerve damage that can result in numbness.
There are several strategies that you can use to optimize your blood glucose regulation plan properly. Start by regularly checking your glucose, as this can indicate when you need to address hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia.
A proper diet that includes healthy sources of carbohydrates, a lot of fiber, and a combination of quality proteins and good fats is also essential. This helps to avoid sudden spikes in your glucose levels. In addition to these factors, regular exercise also plays a vital role in helping to regulate your blood glucose levels.
The combination of diet and exercise can also ensure you can address overweight or obesity, two major contributing factors to diabetes complications.
Examine Your Feet
Diabetics often fail to check their feet frequently enough. If you don’t examine your feet regularly, you may not notice cuts or wounds if nerves have already been damaged. These cuts can become infected and cause serious trouble for you over time.
Make a habit of checking your feet every night when you get out of the shower or bathtub. This will ensure you can notice a cut or wound early on. If you see anything, be sure to implement the appropriate treatment to prevent infection and facilitate the wound healing process.
While examining your feet, take a closer look at your toenails too. It’s essential to keep them trimmed. After trimming, use a file to smooth the tips of your toenails, as this can help prevent further injuries.
Regular Check-Ups
Regularly checking in with your doctor is also a good idea. When you do a check-in, your doctor can provide a physical examination, which will include an inspection of your feet. If your doctor notices anything out of the ordinary, they can provide an intervention before serious complications develop.
Your doctor can also analyze your blood sugar levels over a specific period to determine how well you are controlling them. This may result in adjustments to your treatment plan to bring your glucose levels within range more effectively.
While visiting your doctor, be sure to discuss with them what the most suitable footwear is for your condition. Some footwear may cause discomfort or put unnecessary pressure on your feet, which could further contribute to complications or worsen existing issues.
The footwear you decide to wear should provide proper support for both of your feet. They should also feature a design that helps to prevent injuries to your feet. Comfort is another factor to consider.
Conclusion
When you have diabetes, it’s essential to take proper care of your feet. Ulcers, infection, nerve damage, and poor blood circulation can cause serious complications. Regular inspections and monitoring your blood glucose levels are crucial steps in preventing the development of these problems.