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The Diabetic Foot

It is estimated that about 25% of diabetics will develop problems in the foot. These complications are due to a combination of two factors: neuropathy and poor circulation.

Nutrition of the nerves supplying sensation to the skin of the foot can be compromised resulting in the sensation of numbness or tingling, or an inablity to feel pain, heat or cold. This results to injury to the foot or toes without the patient realising it and taking care of it, and ultimately the toe or foot gets infected and can turn gangrenous. This is complicated by the fact that circulation to the foot in diabetics tends to be poor due to narrowing of vessels.

The ultimate result: gangrene, poor healing ulcers in the foot, and ultimately amputation of the affected limb in order to save the remaining part of the limb from spreading infection and further need for more amputation.

Thus care of the foot is very important, starting from care of the nails to prevent infection of the nail folds, to care of the skin of the feet to prevent injury. Proper walking shoes are important. Socks need to be worn frequently to prevent injury. Make sure you wash your feet in warm, not hot water, as you may not feel the difference and this can result in burns. Make sure that there are no foreign materials in the shoe which can act like pebbles and ultimately damage the foot. Keep circulation good to the foot. Get your doctor to attend to any sores on the skin.

Last but not least, Control Your Diabetes

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