Understanding Why Diabetes Causes Foot Problems

Last updated 9 months ago

Living with diabetes has a tremendous impact on your lifestyle. It requires changes in diet, daily activities, and exercise routines. Diabetes also affects how your view your feet. Diabetes patients are often more likely to develop foot health problems and therefore, need to regularly consult a podiatrist.

Impact of Diabetes

The diagnosis of any type of diabetes indicates that your body has difficulty producing, applying, and storing sugars. While living with diabetes impacts your lifestyle and overall health, it also affects your foot care regimen. Diabetes can disrupt the normal functioning of your blood vessels, thus creating circulation and vision difficulties. To prevent your feet from developing blood clots or other circulatory issues, it’s important to care for your feet daily. Diabetes patients must be especially aware of the condition of their feet, as reduced sensitivity can cause small cuts to go undetected.

Potential Foot Problems

The foot ailments associated with diabetes range from minor to severe. Even a health factor as simple as skin moisture becomes a concern for your feet. Circulation problems caused by diabetes make your skin dry. Excessive dryness can create cracks in your skin, leading to a risk of infection. Since the nerves in your feet are less sensitive, you may not notice small wounds or cuts on the bottom of your feet. Even the smallest open wounds pose serious threats to your overall health due to infection. Consult your foot doctor for treatment of calluses, ingrown toenails, bunions, and other concerns.

Protecting Your Foot Health

The best way to prevent your diabetes from compromising your foot health is by regularly visiting your foot doctor. Using their professional training and equipment, the doctors at All South Bay Footcare thoroughly assess your feet for potential problems. We also recommend essential foot care tips such as wearing comfortable shoes, regularly moisturizing your feet, and changing your socks often to detect any traces of blood from unnoticed cuts.

Do you have more questions about diabetic foot care? Schedule an appointment at All South Bay Footcare today by calling (310) 986-2925. Our expert podiatrist also treats patients who require foot surgery and orthotic treatment.