Modern lifestyle has given the sweet poison called diabetes to mankind. It is the biggest threat that is killing millions of people directly or indirectly. According to the WHO data, there are over 425 million people were living with diabetes in 2017. It is likely to reach 629 million by 2045. Another estimate suggests this menace has caused at least $727 billion in health expenditure in 2017. A recent trend shows that it is fast entering the non-susceptible group of under 20 years of age people.

Diabetes, a disease that disrupts the normal functioning of insulin, creates an imbalance in sugar digestion. This leads to many health-related problems, including the diabetic foot. Insulin, an essential hormone, helps body cells in absorbing sugar from the blood. The disturbance in Insulin balance causes sugar to remain in the blood, resulting in several complications. The prolonged period of high blood sugar makes you prone to diabetic foot. Let us understand the problem first so that you could remain alert and keep your foot healthy.

What is Diabetic Foot? 

The high blood sugar in your body can cause two problems in your foot. This might make it difficult for you to maintain normal mobility.

• Diabetic Neuropathy– If your diabetes is not within the controllable range, then it could damage your nerves. If the nerves in your feet get damaged, you won’t be able to feel the sensation of heat, cold, or any kind of inflammatory pain. This symptom is called “sensory diabetic neuropathy.” You won’t be able to notice injuries, and muscles of your leg might not work properly, resulting in alignment issues.
• Peripheral Vascular Disease– Sugar concentration in blood impacts the flow of blood in target areas. Low blood circulation means a longer healing period. This low blood flow in arms and legs is called “peripheral vascular disease.” Slow healing may cause gangrene.

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Signs of Diabetic Foot Problems

If you are diabetic, you need to be very cautious about changes happening in your body. There is no room for any complacency as this could make the situation worse. Here are some of the routine checks you could do regularly:

• Skin color: It is good to keep a tab on changes in the skin color. It might be more visible in affected areas.
• Skin Temperature: You might notice higher temperatures in your feet. This happens because of low blood flow.
• Swelling: You have to check routinely whether your foot or ankle has any type of swelling or not.
• Mild Pain: If you feel regular pain in your legs it is a sign of low blood circulation. This might be due to diabetes.
• Healing: You have to check whether your open sores on the feet are healing in normal time or not.
• Nail Fungus: Your nails might give you signals about impending danger. If you notice a regular recurrence of fungus in your nails, you should consult your doctor.
• Other: If your foot has corns or calluses, dry cracks, and foul odor of dead skin.

Your alertness could help you stay away from the diabetic foot. You need to wash your foot every day using disinfectants, wear supportive shoes to avoid injuries, do some exercise to increase blood flow, and of course keep blood sugar level in control. Your care is the best remedy!