What Happens When Diabetes Hits the Feet?

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease that causes high blood glucose levels in the body. Left uncontrolled, diabetes can lead to various complications and the feet are one of the most affected areas. Diabetic foot syndrome is a condition that develops as a result of nerve damage (neuropathy) and circulatory impairment (peripheral arterial disease) caused by prolonged high blood glucose levels. In this article, while explaining the effect of diabetes on the feet and what diabetic foot syndrome is, I will prepare an SEO compatible blog post suitable for keywords.

Diabetes and Feet

Over time, diabetes can affect many parts of the body, including blood vessels and nerves. The feet are rich in nerve endings and dense with blood vessels. High blood sugar levels cause damage to these nerves and vessels over time. Nerve damage is called diabetic neuropathy, while impaired circulation can lead to peripheral arterial disease. Both conditions are the main causes of diabetic foot syndrome.

What is Diabetic Foot?

Diabetic foot syndrome is a condition that occurs as a result of nerve damage and poor circulation in the feet of diabetic patients. Diabetic foot is characterized by numbness and loss of sensation. Diabetic neuropathy occurs when the nerves in the feet are affected and the person cannot feel pain or injury. This can lead to unrecognized injuries and infections.

Peripheral arterial disease is caused by narrowing and blockage of the blood vessels in the feet. The narrowing of the blood vessels means that they cannot carry enough oxygen and nutrients and wounds take longer to heal. Unhealed wounds increase the risk of infection and can lead to serious complications.

Symptoms of Diabetic Foot Syndrome

Symptoms of diabetic foot syndrome can often go unnoticed at first, as numbness can occur due to nerve damage. However, in progressive cases, the following symptoms may occur:

• numbness, tingling or burning sensation in the feet,

• Pain or cramps in the feet,

• Dryness and cracks in the skin,

• Changes in the shape of the toes,

• Wounds, calluses or callus-like formations,

• Slow healing of wounds and infections,

• Color changes in the feet,

• Feeling cold in the feet.

If you have diabetes and notice such symptoms in your feet, it is important to contact a health care professional immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent serious complications.

Treatment of Diabetic Foot Syndrome

Treatment of diabetic foot syndrome can vary depending on the severity of the condition and specific symptoms. Treatment is usually done through a multidisciplinary approach and may include:

• Keeping blood sugar under control: Good management of diabetes helps prevent nerve damage and slow its progression.

• Wound care:** Proper care and dressing of existing wounds reduces the risk of infection and speeds up the healing process.

• Antibiotic treatment:** Antibiotic treatment may be needed for non-healing wounds or infected wounds.

• Circulation-regulating medications:** Patients with peripheral arterial disease may use medications to help regulate circulation.

• In advanced cases, amputation may be necessary if there is severe tissue damage or infection.

Ways to Prevent Diabetic Foot Syndrome

You can take these important steps to prevent diabetic foot syndrome:

• Have your diabetes checked regularly and keep your blood sugar at targeted levels.

• Take care of your feet regularly and do not neglect your foot care. Trim toenails regularly and use moisturizer.

• Keep your feet warm and avoid prolonged exposure to hot water.

• Wear comfortable and suitable shoes for your feet. Avoid narrow or tight shoes when choosing shoes.

• Carefully watch for sores, calluses or callus-like formations and if you notice them, contact a healthcare professional immediately.

In conclusion, the impact of diabetes on the feet can cause serious complications. Diabetic foot syndrome can be controlled with early diagnosis and treatment. To prevent diabetic foot syndrome, you should manage your diabetes well, take care of your feet and have regular check-ups. Regular care and follow-up are of great importance for healthy feet.

(The above text is for general information purposes and does not replace any medical advice. It is important to consult Assoc. Prof. Aytaç Çetinkaya for more information about diabetes and diabetic foot syndrome and treatment).