It’s important to take good care of your feet since diabetes problems usually affect the feet and legs. Diabetes Affecting the Health of the Legs

If you have diabetes, it’s possible that the nerves and blood vessels that supply your legs and feet may get destroyed. People who are affected are thus more prone to develop foot and leg ulcers, which may spread infection and, in the worst cases, culminate in gangrene. (when amputation is required due to the tissue dying).

Nerve damage

A foot or leg injury may be uncomfortable, but in those with diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage from diabetes), the symptoms are diminished and mild injuries may not be identified and treated, possibly leading to more serious harm.

Loss of temperature awareness is a major risk factor for damage in diabetics. This might lead to issues like hot water burns or sitting too close to a heater.

Diabetic neuropathy may also cause harm to your joints, bones, muscles, and foot structure.

In addition to numbness, diabetic neuropathy may sometimes result in unpleasant feelings including tingling, aching, and burning in the legs and feet.

Poor circulation

Diabetes patients typically have circulation issues in their lower extremities, particularly blocked arteries. The healing process is very sluggish in areas with poor circulation, and if an injury is not addressed, it might grow into an ulcer or even become gangrenous. Ulcers may form even in the absence of injury if the blood flow is seriously hampered.

Walking leg pain that starts after a certain amount of walking and goes away after resting might possibly be brought on by insufficient blood supply to the leg muscles. This is known as intermittent claudication.

Infection

If your blood sugar levels are high, you may be more susceptible to illnesses. People with diabetes are more likely to have an infection and have sores or ulcers on their feet and legs that take longer to cure. Additionally, surrounding bones and other tissues are more susceptible to get infected.

Caring for your feet

With diabetes, taking care of your feet entails:

Daily foot care, regular trips to the doctor or podiatrist, and, if required, the management of diabetic neuropathy and/or circulatory problems.

Foot care

Correct foot care is essential for persons who have diabetes.

Every day, wash your feet in warm water—not hot—and thoroughly dry them, paying close care to the area in between your toes.
After washing and drying your feet, moisturize them; do not apply the moisturizer in the region between your toes.

If you see a callus developing, try to remove it gently. (As an illustration, using a pumice stone). However, once calluses have formed, they should only be treated by professionals.
After cutting your toenails parallel to the ground, smooth off any sharp edges. Clip your nails using clippers rather than scissors.

Always choose your footwear wisely, wear shoes, and wear socks. Shoes should have enough space to be comfortable but not enough room to slip off. They should have strong (but not soft) insoles and smooth interiors with no sharp edges.
Corn plasters should not be used since they may result in foot ulcers.

Checking your feet

Check your feet every night for the following signs:

There are several indications that something has been rubbing on your foot, including blisters, scrapes, abrasions, corns, calluses, infections, thickened or discolored nails, blueness or any swelling, and any red, hot, or swollen areas.
Have a friend or family member examine your eyesight to see whether it is affected.

Treating diabetic neuropathy and poor circulation

Diabetes patients should get special treatment for issues like diabetic neuropathy and poor circulation in their legs and feet since these conditions may have an effect on these body parts.

Strict glucose control has been shown to reduce the likelihood of neuropathy, stop the disease’s development, and lessen symptoms.

Reduced blood supply to the legs and feet as well as other risk factors for diabetic neuropathy may be advantageous. These include:

reducing weight if overweight, giving up smoking, managing high cholesterol, treating high blood pressure.

When to see your doctor or podiatrist

If you find any skin breaks, consult your physician or podiatrist straight away. Make an attempt to locate the likely cause of the problem as well so you can prevent it from occurring again.
If one of your feet is still warm and swollen the following day, check it out once again and see your doctor. It could be required to use antibiotics to treat an illness.

Toenail infections must be treated straight soon.
If your legs or feet hurt, or if the color or temperature of your legs or feet changes, let your doctor know.

You should also regularly get your feet examined by a doctor, diabetes specialist, or podiatrist. Your doctor or podiatrist may provide you guidance on how to take care of your feet and how to choose the best shoes.

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