Diabetes can cause a variety of foot problems. People with diabetes are more likely to experience problems with their feet than people without diabetes. The most common problems are known as diabetic neuropathy and peripheral arterial disease. 

Neuropathy is a condition that affects the nerves. It can cause loss of sensation in the feet, and peripheral arterial disease is a condition that affects the blood vessels and it can cause reduced blood flow to the feet. Let’s understand both of these conditions in detail:

1. Diabetic Neuropathy

Diabetic neuropathy is a type of nerve damage that can occur in individuals with diabetes. It primarily affects the peripheral nerves, which are responsible for transmitting signals between the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) and the rest of the body. Prolonged high levels of blood glucose associated with diabetes can lead to damage to these nerves.

Key Features of Diabetic Neuropathy

• Symptoms: Individuals with diabetic neuropathy may experience symptoms such as tingling, numbness, or pain in the extremities, particularly in the feet and legs.
• Loss of Sensation: Over time, diabetic neuropathy can result in a loss of sensation, making it difficult for individuals to detect injuries or trauma to their feet.
• Increased Risk of Infections: Reduced sensation can lead to injuries going unnoticed, increasing the risk of infections, ulcers, and other complications.
• Motor Function Impairment: In addition to sensory issues, diabetic neuropathy can affect motor function, leading to muscle weakness and changes in gait.

2. Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)

Peripheral arterial disease is a condition where there is reduced blood flow to the extremities, often affecting the legs and feet. Diabetes is a significant risk factor for developing PAD, as high blood glucose levels can contribute to the buildup of plaques in the arteries, leading to reduced circulation.

Key Features of Peripheral Arterial Disease

Reduced Blood Flow: PAD results in reduced blood flow to the legs and feet, leading to a lack of oxygen and nutrients reaching the tissues.

Claudication: Individuals with PAD may experience claudication, characterized by pain, cramping, or fatigue in the legs during physical activity, which improves with rest.

Delayed Wound Healing: Insufficient blood flow can impair the body's ability to heal wounds, increasing the risk of infections and non-healing ulcers.

Increased Risk of Amputation: Severe cases of PAD, especially when combined with other complications like diabetic neuropathy, may lead to an increased risk of amputation.

These foot problems can lead to serious complications, such as infections, ulcers, etc. further leading to the requirement of Diabetic Foot surgery. That is why people with diabetes need to take steps to prevent foot problems and to seek medical help early if they do develop.        

Diabetes and Foot Care: What You Need to Know

When it comes to diabetic foot care, there are a few important things to keep in mind. These things let you take care of your feet and prevent problems with diabetes:

• Keep your feet dry and clean. 
• Wash your feet every day with mild soap and warm water. 
• You should never go barefoot, even indoors. 
• You should always wear well-fitting shoes.
• And last, but not least, you should inspect your feet every day for any cuts, bruises, blisters, or redness.
• Trim your toenails in a straight line and gently smooth any sharp edges with a file.

You should take all the preventive measures to help yourself in taking care of your feet in case of diabetes, or else you will end up choosing Diabetic Foot surgery for the amputation of the foot. And, if you have by chance developed any infection whatsoever, do consult your specialist and get the treatment on time