Deep Vein Thrombosis

Diabetes and Foot Care

Annually, about 10 million* people in India are diagnosed with diabetes. Also called diabetes mellitus, it is a condition that is linked to high blood sugar levels. Diabetes occurs either because the body is unable to produce an adequate amount of insulin (type 1 diabetes), or because the insulin produced by the pancreas is not absorbed into the blood cells (type 2 diabetes), or both.

Diabetes can be a gateway to a host of other health problems, especially those related to the lower extremities. This is the reason why doctors work with diabetic patients to manage their overall health with a special emphasis on legs and feet.

In diabetic patients, leg and foot complications can arise due to poor blood circulation, nerve damage and/or infections.

High glucose level in the blood causes vessels to become narrow and hard, resulting in poor and decreased blood circulation. This puts a lot of pressure on the leg veins that work against the force of gravity. Diabetics are prone to developing the following venous conditions:

Uncontrolled sugar level can also damage the nerves, by hindering their ability to send signals. This is known as diabetic peripheral neuropathy. The patient might find problems in walking and balancing, in addition to facing difficulties in sensing the position of feet.

The reduction in blood flow also affects the patient’s immune system, making them more susceptible to infections.

  • Numbness and tingling: these are symptoms of peripheral neuropathy. It hinders the body’s ability to feel any sensations on the legs
  • Discolored and/or warm skin: this can be a sign of infections or inflammation
  • Painful blisters: at times, these wounds may even leak pus and cause foot ulcers
  • Difficulty in walking: this can be accompanied by joint pain and leg infection
  • Skin irritation: constant itching due to red, dry skin and the formation of dry skin called callus
  • Changes in toenails: diabetes can lead to their yellowing or thickening
  • Loss of hair on the feet and lower legs

Regular care and managing early signs of foot problems can prevent more serious complications such as foot ulcers. One of the proven ways to keep complications at bay is wearing compression stockings. Because diabetes affects the blood vessels, the veins may not effectively pump blood back to the heart. Compression socks apply pressure on the leg, thus improving blood circulation. This also helps to prevent foot swelling, numbness, and any potential damage to the nerves.

As a diabetic patient, follow these commandments to prevent foot related conditions:

  • DO NOT walk barefoot
  • Inspect the feet daily for cuts, blisters, injury, warmth, bleeding
  • Wear comfortable and closed-toe shoes. This will keep your feet protected from injury and infection
  • DO NOT put weight on the affected leg
  • Moisturize your feet regularly to keep infection at bay
  • Wash your feet twice a day with soap and dry properly between toes
  • Keep your toe nails trimmed
  • Do not remove footwear while traveling
  • Do not cross your legs and sit for a long time
  • Wear compression stockings

In case you’re facing any of the symptoms discussed above, seek a doctor’s help immediately. Click here to locate a doctor near you.

*Source: Apollo Hospitals

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Yes, your risk of developing an ulcer is elevated. The vessels’ functioning is so disturbed that there is stasis. Then edema appears and your skin aspect changes – at first a color change, then it itches and eczema appears. As time passes, your skin hardens. A small wound or an inflammation due to a mosquito bite are enough to cause deterioration to your skin. An ulcer forms. These changes appear gradually and can in most cases be resolved with treatment.

No, as the risk factors like genetic predisposition and higher age cannot be treated. But you can prevent symptoms and also signs of chronic venous insufficiency if you have varicose veins. Keep moving! Use the staircase rather than the elevator. Practice a sport that stimulates your venous system like cycling, swimming, or walking. Raise your legs and move as often as possible. It is also recommended to shower your legs with cold water and to wear compression socks or stockings.