How Does Diabetes Affect Your Feet?

An article by Sheena Ledbetter, NP, with Bronson Wound & Hyperbaric Medicine

Caring for your feet is important, especially if you have diabetes. Diabetes can make it harder for your feet to stay healthy, because high blood sugar levels can damage nerves and slow blood flow. This means you may not feel pain, heat or cold.

Because of this, you may not notice a cut, blister or sore until it becomes a bigger problem. Diabetes can make it harder for your body to heal, so even a small foot injury can turn into an infection if left untreated. In serious cases, infections and ulcers can lead to losing a toe, foot or part of the leg.

The good news is that many foot problems can be prevented. Checking your feet every day, wearing proper shoes and seeing your doctor regularly can help you stay active, comfortable and well.

Common Foot Problems Linked to Diabetes

• Nerve Damage (Neuropathy)
  Diabetes can damage the nerves in your feet. This is called neuropathy. When nerves are damaged, you may not feel pain or notice an injury right away. This makes it easier for cuts or blisters to get worse before you know they are there. Nerve damage can also change the shape of your feet or toes.
• Poor Blood Flow
  Diabetes can slow blood flow in your legs and feet. This makes it harder for wounds to heal and easier for infections to develop.
• Foot Ulcers
  Ulcers are open sores that often form on the bottom of the foot or under the big toe. Tight shoes can also cause sores on the sides of the feet. Even if they do not hurt, ulcers should be checked by a doctor right away.
• Calluses
  People with diabetes may develop calluses faster than others. If they become too thick, they can break open and turn into sores.
• Dry or Cracked Skin
  Diabetes can make the skin on your feet very dry. This can cause peeling and cracks that may lead to infection if not treated.
• Risk of Limb Loss
  Because of nerve damage, poor circulation and infections, people with diabetes have a higher risk of needing a toe, foot or leg amputation. The good news is that many of these cases can be prevented with good foot care.

Tips to Keep Your Feet Healthy

• Check your feet every day.
  Look for cuts, blisters, redness, swelling or changes in skin color. If you notice changes, contact your doctor.
• Wash your feet daily.
  Wash your feet with soap and warm water. Dry them well, especially between the toes. If your skin is dry, apply lotion, especially to the toes and heels.
• Trim your toenails carefully.
  Cut your nails straight across and not too short. Smooth sharp edges with a nail file. Talk to your doctor if your nails become thick or discolored.
• Wear shoes that fit well.
  Choose shoes that are not too tight or too loose. Well-fitting shoes help protect your feet from injury. Some people with diabetes may benefit from special diabetic shoes or inserts.
• Protect your feet from heat and cold.
  Wear socks if your feet feel cold and avoid putting your feet near heaters or open flames. In cold weather, be sure you wear warm shoes.
• Keep your feet moving.
  Stretch and move your feet throughout the day to help blood flow. If you sit for long periods of time, raise your feet and take breaks to walk around.

When to Call Your Doctor

If you have diabetes and notice any foot concerns, don’t wait to call your doctor. Early care can help prevent serious problems. During your regular visits, ask your doctor to check your feet. If you are not sure how to check your feet at home, your doctor can show you how.

Wound Care at Bronson

If you or someone you know is dealing with chronic foot wounds, call Bronson Wound Center & Hyperbaric Medicine in Battle Creek at (269) 245-8560.

With offices in Battle Creek, Kalamazoo, Paw Paw and South Haven, Bronson’s wound care specialists serve patients throughout southwest Michigan.

To learn more about Bronson’s wound care services, visit bronsonhealth.com/wound .