Diabetics must take extra care to maintain their health. The disease can cause problems with many parts of the body. Many diabetics have problems with their legs and feet. These issues can include numbness and tingling, sores, and infections. Diabetics can take specific measures to prevent complications with their feet. Individuals may have strict cleaning routines, visit their doctor often, and wear special footwear.
Problems with Skin and Feet
Blood sugar complications can cause problems with circulation. Diabetics may have frail skin on their entire body. They must take precautions to avoid scratches and cuts to the skin. Many patients suffer from bacterial infections, yeast infections, and incredibly dry skin. Individuals may also need amputations of fingers or toes if an infection becomes uncontrollable. Prevention remains the best way to manage health issues from diabetes.
Pain and Healing
Diabetes can lead to nerve pain in the extremities. Individuals may experience pain, tingling or numbness. While this nerve pain accompanies diabetes, infections can increase the discomfort. Due to decreased circulation, sores may not heal well, either. Blood vessels become narrow and oxygen does not get to the wound. Bacteria has more time to infiltrate a cut or sore that does not heal on time. An impaired immune response can also contribute to infection and poor healing.
Challenges
Diabetics must play close attention to their bodies daily. It is important to find cuts or other injuries immediately so treatment can begin. Diabetics can follow traditional procedures for injuries, such as cleaning the wound and applying antibiotic ointment. Patients must remain vigilant with treatment, however. These procedures may need repeating throughout the day or patients may need to add proper dressings to the injured area. Patients may also benefit from resting a wounded foot or wearing a medical boot. Diabetics can benefit from a doctor visit when wounds appear.
Solutions
Diatbetic individuals must speak with their doctor about dietary changes, medications, and physical activity. Your doctor may help you learn how to check your blood sugar and recognize the symptoms of high or low blood sugar. You may need to keep medications with you at all times. You can also talk to your doctor about supplements and exercise. Reaching a healthy weight may improve many diabetic symptoms.
Many diabetics take extra caution when choosing socks and shoes. Protecting the feet can help you avoid discomfort and injuries. You can find special tennis shoes for plantar fasciitis, for example. Plantar fasciitis causes swelling in the tissue on the bottom of the foot. Your doctor may prescribe physical therapy or steroids to aid in healing plantar fasciitis.
Diabetes can affect people of all ages. Some people become diabetic later in life or only have diabetes when pregnant. If you have diabetes, you must adhere to high standards of skin and foot care. This may include specific socks, shoes, and cleaning routines. Your doctor can help you determine the best steps for injury recovery if you get hurt. Even a small scrape can cause problems if not treated properly. With excellent care, diabetic patients prevent infections and discomfort in their feet.
