Diabetic foot, a condition of foot problems linked todiabetes mellitus, is common among people with diabetes.
These problems can occur in one or both feet due totype 1ortype 2diabetes.
Symptoms associated with diabetic foot can occur over time.
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They can be linked to nerve damage or blood flow problems common with this disease.
It also details types of treatments and how to support proper healing.
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Reproduced with permission from ©DermNetwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
Reproduced with permission from DermNetwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
Why Does Diabetes Cause Foot Problems?
Insulinis a hormone produced in thepancreasthat controls sugar, orglucose, levels in the bloodstream.
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Insufficient amounts of insulin can allow glucose to build up in the blood and remain at unsafe levels.
Peripheral neuropathy occurs in about 33% to 50% of people with diabetes.
Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy include numbness, tingling, and a loss of feeling in your feet.
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As the wound remains untreated, an infection can develop.
Learning how to identify these changes can help you prevent serious complications.
However, diabetic foot ulcers typically progress so that the wound worsens until it eventually involves your entire foot.
The traits of the wound at a given time are used to classify the wound.
There are several classification systems for diabetic wounds.
Wagner’s classification system is widely accepted for the proper diagnosis and treatment of diabetic foot wounds.
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These socks encourage your blood to flow by gently squeezing your leg.
This can facilitate faster treatment and reduce your risk ofamputationdue to complications.
As gangrene spreads, it can become life-threatening.
Wound healing can take from weeks to several months.
Diabetic foot often occurs over time due to nerve damage or problems with blood flow to your feet.
These issues can prevent sores from healing, leading to the loss of tissue and bone.
In severe cases, the problem can result in losing your toe or foot.
you’re free to reduce your risk of diabetic foot by keeping your blood sugar levels under control.
Looking at your feet daily can help you find problems before they worsen.
This can help you get the right treatment early and avoid severe issues.
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NYU Langone Health.Nonsurgical treatment for diabetic foot ulcers.
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