Diabetic Foot: How to Identify Symptoms and Prevent Complications?

Diabetes is more than just a rise in blood sugar levels in the body. This disease can become a silent threat to our bodies, and one of its most insidious manifestations is the diabetic foot.

Diabetic foot is a complication of diabetes that develops in most patients under conditions of improper glucose control. A diabetic foot is characterized by infection, ulceration, and tissue damage. It affects approximately 18.6 million people worldwide annually. Unfortunately, due to delayed treatment and complications, diabetic foot is the most common cause of lower limb amputation.

Types of Diabetic Foot

Several forms of diabetic foot are distinguished, including:

• Angiopathic - Caused by circulatory disorders and vascular problems.

• Neuropathic - Develops as a result of nerve ending deterioration.

• Combined (Mixed) - The neuroischemic form, which includes both of the above problems.

Causes of Diabetic Foot

Diabetic foot develops as a complication of diabetes when high blood sugar levels over time damage nerve endings and blood vessels. This causes a person to have reduced sensation and feel less pain in their feet, which means they might not notice small cuts or blisters. At the same time, blood circulation also decreases, which hinders the healing process. These factors together create a basis for the development of infections and ulcers, and this is how diabetic foot manifests itself.

Symptoms of Diabetic Foot

Patients with diabetes should carefully monitor the condition of their lower limbs so that they do not miss the characteristic symptoms of diabetic foot in a state of reduced sensation.

Symptoms of diabetic foot include:

• Redness

• Swelling

• Numbness

• Cold limbs

• Difficulty walking

• Changes in the color of the skin on the foot and lower leg

• Dryness and peeling of the skin on the foot

• Deformation of the nails.

Treatment and Management of Diabetic Foot

Everything starts with proper diabetes management, which includes glucose control, a healthy diet, physical activity, and doctor-prescribed medications. In case of foot injury, you may need:

• Special shoes

• Medications to improve blood circulation

• Antibiotics for infection

• In some cases, even surgical intervention

 But the main message is this: prevention is much less painful than treatment.

How to Care for Your Diabetic Feet Daily?

For people with diabetes, daily foot care is very important to prevent possible complications. Here are some essential tips:

• Inspect your feet daily. Check for any cuts, dry skin, redness, or changes in skin color.

• Wash your feet with warm (not hot!) water every day. Gently dry them with a soft towel, especially between the toes.

• Moisturize your skin with a special cream, but avoid the area between your toes to prevent fungal infections.

• Do not cut hardened skin or calluses yourself - for this, contact a specialist.

• Change your socks daily. Try to wear cotton or special socks designed for diabetic feet.

• Choose comfortable, soft, and well-fitting shoes that do not pinch or irritate your skin.

These simple habits will help you maintain your foot health and prevent complications.