Millions of people worldwide suffer from diabetes, a chronic condition that can lead to a range of serious health complications, particularly in the feet.
Uncontrolled high blood sugar levels can cause numbness, ulcers, fungal infections, deformities, and poor circulation, which, if left untreated, can progress to severe outcomes, including amputation.
Early detection and treatment are vital for managing foot health and preventing severe consequences.
1. Loss of Feeling or Strange Sensations High levels of blood sugar can harm nerves in the feet, causing a loss of feeling or unusual sensations. This can result in decreased sensitivity, making it hard to notice injuries or wounds, and impacting balance and mobility.
2. Abnormal Foot Shape Changes in tendons, ligaments, and joints can result in conditions like hammertoes or bunions, causing discomfort, pain, and difficulty finding suitable footwear.
3. Inadequate Blood Circulation Diabetes can harm blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the feet and causing symptoms like cold feet, leg cramps, or slow-healing wounds. Poor circulation can advance to diabetic foot, characterized by persistent foot pain, ulcers, and potentially gangrene.
4. Open Sores Reduced blood flow due to elevated blood sugar can hinder the healing process, leading to open sores. Regularly check your feet for signs of ulcers, like inflammation, swelling, or discharge.
5. Fungus Infections Excess sugar in the blood creates a favorable environment for fungi to multiply, leading to infections in between the toes. Watch for signs like itching, redness, flaking, or blisters on the skin.
