How does diabetes affect the feet?

Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects your ability to regulate your blood sugar levels. If diabetes isn’t controlled properly, it can cause two different problems that affect your feet: diabetic neuropathy and peripheral vascular disease.

Diabetic neuropathy occurs when uncontrolled diabetes damages the nerves in your feet, preventing you from feeling cold, heat, or pain sensations as well as you should. The muscles in your feet may also stop working properly as a result.

Peripheral vascular disease occurs when diabetes reduces the flow of blood to different parts of the body, including the feet. Without enough blood flow, any cuts or sores that develop on your feet are unable to heal properly, which puts you at risk of ulcers and infection.

What are the signs of diabetic foot problems?

You may have foot problems related to diabetes if:

• Your feet aren’t as sensitive to temperature changes as they used to be
• You feel tingling or numbness in your feet
• You can’t feel pain in your feet
• You have sores or ulcers on your feet that won’t heal
• You have recurring infections in your feet

How can diabetes-related foot problems be prevented?

Dr. Charisse Dunn focuses on preventing foot problems related to diabetes before they start, as well as stemming the progress of existing conditions. Since preventive care is key in managing diabetes-related foot problems, Dr. Dunn recommends the following:

• Managing your blood sugar regularly and taking all of your prescribed medications
• Checking your feet daily for sores, blisters, and other signs of a problem
• Making an appointment with Dr. Dunn as soon as you notice an issue
• Washing your feet daily and keeping them moisturized
• Trimming your toenails straight across to prevent ingrown toenails and infection
• Always wearing socks and shoes that fit well
• Protecting your feet from extreme temperatures
• Avoiding walking barefoot

Since early detection is crucial for treating foot problems related to diabetes, call or go online to book an appointment with Dr. E. Charisse Dunn to find out how you can proactively manage your foot health.