Caring for Your Feet

As someone who suffers from diabetes, you might know that your feet are at risk. However, precisely how your feet are at risk is something that you might not understand. Throughout the course of this brief article, you will learn why it is that, as a person suffering from diabetes, maintaining your feet's health is of the utmost importance. It is also recommended that you speak to a trusted podiatrist about this matter in order to learn more.

What Connection Exists Between Diabetes And Your Feet?

As a diabetic person, one of the issues that you should be concerned about is the level of circulation that you receive, especially to your extremities – such as your feet. Diabetics have an extremely high level of glucose in their bloodstream, which can cause some serious damage to your arteries. For example, they can become clogged, and in extreme cases they can harden. Damaged arteries can make it difficult for blood to flow throughout your body, particularly the extreme location of your feet.

What Sort Of Problems Might You Encounter?

There are a litany of problems that might occur to your feet, as someone who suffers from diabetes. One of the most common problems is quite innocuous, although it is certainly indicative of the fact that your feet are not receiving enough circulation. You will begin to develop callouses quite easily. Even walking short distances might promote their growth. Fungal infections also become an issue, as you may find that fungus can easily grow in between toes and underneath the toenails of those that suffer from diabetes. However, there are problems that can occur that are far worse than these. Necrosis, or gangrene, can set in, which is the rotting of the flesh. In extreme cases, this may be grounds for having your foot amputated. Even in cases where the foot can be saved, gangrene can cause severe nerve damage.

How Can You Prevent These Issues?

It is imperative that you see a podiatrist to discuss how these issues can be prevented. However, there are a few measures that you can take. If you are a smoker, it is necessary that you quit immediately, as smoking can greatly impede the flow of your circulatory system. It is also important to practice good dietary habits that will promote healthy arteries. It may be in your best interest to speak to a nutritionist or dietitian about such matters.

As a diabetic, your feet are susceptible to a number of health problems. Hopefully, this guide has given you some insight into what these issues are and what you can do to ameliorate their effects. Contact a podiatrist, like Dr. Maurice Levy, for more information.