Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes affect the feet and other parts of the body by reducing blood supply to these areas, causing unpredictable consequences.
How does diabetes affect the feet?
Orthopedic podiatrist Matthew Fitzpatrick (UK) said that diabetes can affect organs or parts of the body, according to the Patient (UK) website.
“With diabetes, the body loses its ability to control glucose. High glucose levels affect the complex and sensitive interactions of chemicals and enzymes in the blood vessel walls, leading to a variety of damage throughout the body. Small blood vessels are vulnerable, meaning blood supply to the feet and other areas – including the kidneys and eyes – can be restricted,” says Fitzpatrick.
Foot care is very important when you have diabetes.
When the blood vessels in the feet are damaged, the patient often loses sensation, starting with tingling in the toes and spreading to the feet.
The compromised blood supply also causes wounds on the feet to take longer to heal, increasing the risk of infection.
“Foot infections in people with diabetes are very worrying and important, as if left uncontrolled there is a high risk of foot or limb amputation,” said BaDan Howarth, of Diabetes UK.
Everyone with diabetes is at risk of foot problems. However, effective control of the condition can reduce this risk.
Take care of healthy feet
In addition to following the advice of their primary care physician and taking prescribed medications, people with diabetes need to pay attention to their feet so that any potential problems can be addressed before they become more serious.
In people with diabetes, even small wounds can become infected if not properly cared for.
Dr. Fitzpatrick recommends that people with diabetes check their feet every day.
“Look carefully at the top and bottom of your feet, between your toes, around your feet, and behind your heels for any minor injuries such as tears, bumps, calluses, bruises, or injuries,” says Dr. Fitzpatrick.
Wash and dry properly : Wash your feet with soap and warm water. Dry your feet thoroughly, especially between the toes. Proper drying will prevent infections and athlete's foot from forming.
Moisturize Carefully : Dr. Fitzpatrick points out that patients need to keep their skin supple by moisturizing their feet. “Loss of blood supply and nerve damage reduce moisture, causing the feet to become dry. This leads to cracking and can become a site of infection,” explains Dr. Fitzpatrick.
Another important part of foot care is ensuring that the patient wears proper footwear. Ill-fitting shoes can lead to nail damage, blisters, calluses, or other foot problems that can lead to infection. Have your feet measured and choose shoes that fit properly.
“If you have diabetes and lose feeling in your feet or have a wound on your foot, you need to see a doctor right away to prevent worse problems from happening,” Dr. Fitzpatrick advises.
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/chuyen-gia-luu-y-viec-cham-soc-ban-chan-o-nguoi-tieu-duong-185250304230137245.htm
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