Diabetes and diabetic foot problems are serious health problems that affect millions of people today. Centers specialized in Istanbul diabetic foot treatment play a critical role in the early diagnosis and treatment of this disease. In this article, we will provide detailed information about diabetic foot symptoms and prevention methods.
What is Diabetes and How Does it Affect Foot Health?
Diabetes (diabetes mellitus) is a chronic metabolic disease where your blood glucose or blood sugar levels are too high. Glucose comes from the foods you eat, and the cells in your body need glucose for energy. A hormone called insulin helps glucose enter your cells.
In Type 1 diabetes, your body doesn’t produce insulin. In Type 2 diabetes, your body doesn’t make or use insulin well. When there isn’t enough insulin, glucose can’t enter your cells as quickly as it normally would. Glucose builds up in your blood and causes high blood sugar levels.
How Do Diabetic Foot Problems Occur?
Diabetic foot problems are quite common in people with diabetes. They can develop over time when high blood sugar damages the nerves and blood vessels in the feet. Diabetic foot symptoms usually start insidiously and can be difficult to notice in the early period.
Nerve damage called diabetic neuropathy can cause numbness, tingling, pain or loss of sensation in your feet. This condition is one of the most common symptoms of diabetic foot problems.
If you can’t feel pain, you may not realize you have a cut, blister or ulcer (open wound) on your foot. Such a wound can become infected and lead to diabetic foot infections. The infection may not heal well because damaged blood vessels can cause poor blood flow in your foot.
The most serious among diabetic foot complications is when infection and poor blood flow lead to gangrene. This means that muscle, skin and other tissues begin to die. If you have gangrene or a foot ulcer that doesn’t heal with treatment, diabetic foot surgery may be necessary. This is an operation to remove your damaged toe, foot or part of your leg. It can prevent a bad infection from spreading and save your life.
What are Diabetic Foot Symptoms?
Diabetic foot symptoms can be listed as follows:
- Numbness, tingling or burning sensation in feet
- Loss of pain or sensitivity in feet
- Cold sensation in feet
- Color changes in feet (red, blue or black)
- Swelling in feet
- Open wounds or ulcers in feet
- Bad odor in feet
- Thickening or color change in foot nails
When you notice these symptoms, it is important to get help from Istanbul diabetic foot experts.
How Can I Protect My Feet If I Have Diabetes?
Daily Foot Care
- Check your feet daily
- Wash your feet with warm water
- Dry your feet thoroughly
- Moisturize your feet
- Trim your toenails properly
Proper Footwear
- Choose comfortable shoes
- Avoid tight shoes
- Use diabetic socks
- Check shoes for foreign objects
- Replace worn shoes
Blood Sugar Control
- Monitor blood sugar regularly
- Take medications as prescribed
- Follow a healthy diet
- Exercise regularly
- Maintain healthy weight
Prevention Strategies
Early Detection
- Regular foot examinations
- Professional foot care
- Immediate treatment of wounds
- Infection prevention
- Circulation improvement
Lifestyle Changes
- Quit smoking
- Limit alcohol consumption
- Manage stress
- Get adequate sleep
- Stay active
Treatment Options
Istanbul diabetic foot treatment options:
Non-Surgical Treatment
- Wound care and dressing
- Antibiotic therapy
- Blood sugar control
- Foot protection
- Physical therapy
Surgical Treatment
- Debridement procedures
- Vascular surgery
- Amputation (when necessary)
- Reconstructive surgery
Istanbul Diabetic Foot Expert Support
Istanbul diabetic foot centers provide comprehensive support:
Expert Team
- Diabetic foot specialists
- Wound care nurses
- Physical therapists
- Nutritionists
- Psychologists
Treatment Facilities
- Modern equipment
- Specialized units
- Emergency services
- Follow-up programs
- Patient education
When to Seek Medical Help
Diabetic foot symptoms requiring medical attention:
Warning Signs
- Severe foot pain
- Foot wounds not healing
- Signs of infection
- Foot color changes
- Temperature changes
Emergency Situations
- Sudden severe pain
- Signs of serious infection
- Foot wounds getting worse
- Systemic symptoms
- High fever
Conclusion
Diabetes and diabetic foot problems are serious conditions that require expert care and management. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial for preventing serious complications. Istanbul diabetic foot experts provide comprehensive care for diabetes patients.
Important: Diabetic foot symptoms should not be ignored. Early intervention and expert support are essential for maintaining foot health and preventing complications.
For more information about diabetic foot treatment, visit our treatment methods page.
