Published by: Dr Dona Samarasekara, DPM
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a long-term medical condition where the blood glucose levels are unable to be regulated naturally by the hormone insulin, leading to abnormally high levels.
There are two common types associated with diabetes-
Type 1 diabetes- where an autoimmune response destroys the pancreatic cells responsible for making insulin.
Type 2 diabetes- where innate and/or environmental factors cause desensitisation and inadequate production of insulin, therefore it being unable to effectively regulate high glucose levels in the body. It is also referred to as “lifestyle disease”, and people who have poor lifestyle factors (i.e. lack of physical activity, overweight or obese, poor diet etc.) are more at risk of developing this type.
How does diabetes affect foot health?
Diabetes-related foot complications are very common with this condition.
In chronic and poorly controlled diabetics, two factors can be affected- the blood circulation and sensation from the nerves:
Poor peripheral circulation is very common in diabetics and can greatly affect the blood flow to your feet. Without adequate blood supply, healing may be slower if cuts or abrasions are present.
Poor peripheral sensation can affect the nerves of your feet, as a response to the poor blood supply. Your nerves require oxygen and nutrients from the blood in order to function properly. Without it, they can become inadequate and in very severe cases the nerves can get damaged i.e. neuropathy.
What can I do to manage and prevent diabetic foot complications?
For patients with diabetes especially in cases where vascular disease and/or neuropathy are present, the following strategies can be implemented in self-care:
Twice daily foot checks (e.g. checking all aspects of the feet including skin, nails, toes) and checking for any clinical infection signs (i.e. abnormal redness, swelling or heat).
Practice proper foot hygiene (e.g. wash feet thoroughly during showers and clean/dry effectively in between the toe spaces).
Always wear supportive and closed-in footwear to keep the feet protected, avoid barefoot walking.
For excess moisture or difficulty with drying in between the toes, you can use alcohol wipes or methylated spirits as a good alternative.
Daily moisturising of feet to hydrate dry skin, preferably with 20-25% urea-based creams or sorbolene.
In cases of reduced circulation or loss of sensation- DO NOT cut your own toenails, especially if you have poor vision or are susceptible to infections. Always review your general foot care with a qualified podiatrist.
If you have diabetes, it is highly recommended that you review your foot health regularly with a podiatrist, as they will be able to provide you with appropriate information on how to care for your feet and prevent any diabetes-related foot complications.
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