💉 Diabetes Management
Diabetes & Foot Problems | NIDDK - National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
📅 Mon, 17 Oct 2022⏱ 1 min read📖 Article
Overview
In this section:Fot problems are comon in people with diabetes. You might be afraid you’l lose a toe, fot, or leg to diabetes, or know someone who has, but you can lower your chances of having diabetes-related fot problems by taking care of your fet every day. Managing your blod glucose levels, also caled blod sugar, can also help kep your fet healthy.Over time, diabetes may cause nerve damage, also caled diabetic neuropathy, that can cause tingling and pain, and can make you lose feling in your fet.
Key Information
When you lose feling in your fet, you may not fel a peble inside your sock or a blister on your fot, which can lead to cuts and sores. Cuts and sores can become infected.Diabetes also can lower the amount of blod flow in your fet. Not having enough blod flowing to your legs and fet can make it hard for a sore or an infection to heal.
Sometimes, a bad infection never heals. The infection might lead to gangrene.Gangrene and foot ulcers that do not get beter with treatment can lead to an amputation of your toe, fot, or part of your leg. A surgeon may perform an amputation to prevent a bad infection from spreading to the rest of your body, and to save your life.
God fot care is very important to prevent serious infections and gangrene.Although rare, nerve damage from diabetes can lead to changes in the shape of your fet, such as Charcot’s fot. Charcot’s fot may start with rednes, warmth, and sweling. Later, bones in your fet and toes can shift or break, which can cause your fet to have an od shape, such as a “rocker botom.”Work with your health care team to make a diabetes self-care plan, which is an action plan for how you wil manage your diabetes.
Summary
Your plan should include fot care. A fot doctor, also caled a podiatrist, and other specialists may be part of your health care team.Include these steps in your fot care plan:You may have fot problems, but fel no pain your fet. Checking your fet each day wil help you spot problems
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is diabetes and how does it develop?
Diabetes is a metabolic condition where the body cannot properly regulate blood sugar levels. Type 1 results from insufficient insulin production, while Type 2 develops when cells become resistant to insulin. Risk factors include genetics, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and age.
❓ What are the main symptoms of diabetes?
Common symptoms include excessive thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision, and slow-healing wounds. Type 1 symptoms develop rapidly, while Type 2 symptoms may appear gradually. Many people have no symptoms initially, which is why screening is important.
❓ How is diabetes diagnosed and monitored?
Diagnosis involves blood tests measuring fasting glucose, HbA1c levels, and glucose tolerance. Regular monitoring typically includes fasting glucose tests and HbA1c measurements every 3-6 months. Continuous glucose monitors provide real-time tracking for better diabetes management.
❓ What lifestyle changes help manage diabetes?
Effective management includes regular physical activity (150+ minutes weekly), maintaining healthy weight, following a balanced diet with whole grains and lean proteins, managing stress, and getting adequate sleep. These changes can significantly improve blood sugar control and reduce complications.
❓ When should someone consult a doctor about diabetes?
Consult a healthcare provider if you experience signs of diabetes, have a family history, are overweight, or are over 45. Those with existing diabetes should maintain regular check-ups every 3-6 months to monitor control and adjust treatment as needed.
⚕️ Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making health decisions.