Diabetes and Foot Complications

• Complications with the foot are the main reason that diabetics are hospitalized in the U.S.
  
  
• Diabetics are 15 to 46 times more likely than the rest of the population to need an amputation of the feet and lower extremities.
  
  
• One in six diabetics will develop a foot ulcer, a condition marked by the break down of foot tissues that leaves an open sore.

• Ischemia, a condition in which poor circulation causes less blood to flow to the limbs, resulting in a much slower healing time
  
  
• Neuropathy, also known as nerve damage, which prevents diabetics from feeling pain from small injuries.

How Do Ulcerations Occur?

Additionally, since diabetics often have poor circulation, the sore (also referred to as an “ulcer”) usually doesn’t heal. An ulcer that is left untreated can eventually succumb to gangrene, is a life-threatening condition in which body tissues die. If a diabetic’s foot becomes gangrenous, the infected toe, foot or even part of the leg has to be amputated to save the person's life.

Some of the warning signs that diabetic’s foot is in poor health and susceptible to ulceration include:

• changes in skin color
• corns and calluses
• lack of hair growth on foot
• open sores
• swelling in the foot or ankle
• very cold feet and/or legs
• wounds that do not heal.

Preventing Foot Amputations

Other preventative measures you can take include:

• avoiding high heels, pointy shoes, strapless shoes, etc.
• avoiding walking barefoot
• checking feet daily for any cuts, sores or changes
• cutting toenails straight across and keeping them filed
• discarding shoes with rough areas inside
• having feet regularly checked by a doctor
• keeping any foot wounds covered with clean dressings
• not wearing jewelry on the feet
• purchasing shoes that fit well and are comfortable
• wearing loose-fitting socks
• wearing shoes indoors and outdoors.

In addition, healthy lifestyle choices such as not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight and eating a healthy diet can all help control diabetes and avoid complications of the feet.

Resources

Armstrong, David G. D.P.M. and Lavery, Lawrence A. D.P.M. M.P.H. (1998). Diabetic Foot Ulcers:Prevention, Diagnosis and Classification. Retrieved September 10, 2007 from the Academy of Family Physicians Web site: http://www.aafp.org/afp/980315ap/armstron.html.