When you have diabetes, your body either produces insufficient insulin or processes it improperly. Diabetes patients frequently experience issues with their feet. They could be more prone to developing infections, deformities, and foot sores. 
A diabetic person’s ulcerated foot or blister might get infected if not treated immediately. Without proper care and management, this buildup of sugar/glucose in the bloodstream can lead to severe complications like renal disease, eyesight loss, heart disease and amputation.
- Diabetic Neuropathy
Diabetic neuropathy is nerve damage that is caused by diabetes. Over time, high blood glucose levels, also called blood sugar, and high levels of fats, such as triglycerides, in the blood from diabetes can damage your nerves. Symptoms depend on which type of diabetic neuropathy you have.
High sugar levels over time might harm the tiny blood vessels that nourish your body. This prevents vital nutrients from getting to the nerves. The nerve fibers may then sustain damage or perhaps perish as a result. Depending on which kind of nerve is impacted, this can lead to issues in many different areas of your body. However, the symptoms can be managed.
Risk Factors of Diabetic Neuropathy
- Diabetes
- Abuse of alcohol
- Deficits in vitamins
- Infections
- Arthritis
- Lupus
- Immune system disease
- Kidney disease
- Hereditary
- Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD)
Reduced blood flow to an organ besides the brain or heart is known as peripheral vascular disease. A blood vessel that is obstructed or constricted is what causes it. Accumulation of fatty substances that constrict a blood vessel, generally an artery, is the primary contributor.
Risk Factors of PVD
- You are older than 50
- Overweight
- High cholesterol
- Experienced a stroke or cerebrovascular illness in the past
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Family history of PVD
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Renal disease
Basic Diabetic Foot Care
- Avoid going barefoot. Because the nerve damage reduces feeling, you may not be aware of a small cut. This could cause a severe infection. This danger is decreased by consistently sporting shoes or slippers.
- Wash your feet. Use warm water and mild soap to wash your feet every day.
- Moisturize your feet to avoid dry or cracked skin.
- Cut the nails on your toes to avoid ingrown toenails.
- Remove hazards; never place your feet in front of a fireplace or close to a radiator.
- Stay warm; keep your feet toasty at all times.
- Avoid smoking; smoking weakens the body’s capacity to carry oxygen and destroys blood vessels.
- Visit a podiatrist regularly. It’s NOT OK to miss podiatry appointments.
At Auburn Foot Care Center, Dr. Brett Stark, our board-certified podiatrist, treats a variety of conditions such as diabetic foot care, sports injuries, bunions, ingrown toenails, arthritis, and pediatric foot care. We provide quality service and advanced technology care for patients in Lee County. Contact our office at 334-466-1401. We are in Auburn, Alabama. Our address is 1559 Professional Parkway. We also offer telemedicine appointments.
