Diabetics and Foot Issues – Causes, Risks, And Prevention

Diabetic people are at high risk of developing foot conditions like deformities, sores, and infections. In case, a foot blister or ulcer is ignored the diabetic patient may need an amputation of a leg part, foot, or toe to avoid the spread of septicity in the body.

Diabetics can get cashless foot treatment at the Irvine Podiatry Office with BCBS healthcare insurance. Dr. Sima Soltani is a blue cross blue shield podiatrist offering diabetics access to affordable and quality healthcare to BCBS insurance holders.

Who is at risk of diabetic foot issues?

The risk factors that can aggravate diabetic foot issues and occurrence of ulcers are –

• Diabetic duration
• Age
• Hypertension
• High NLR or neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio
• Obesity
• Smoking
• Poor ABI or ankle-brachial index
• High cholesterol
• High blood pressure

How do diabetic foot issues happen?

Diabetic people have high sugar levels in their blood and as more glucose circulates in their body, they are at high risk of developing foot issues. Briefly, the underlying cause of foot issues in diabetics is uncontrolled blood glucose.

As the high blood glucose is sustained, there is a cause to the circulatory system and nerves. The effects of nerve ending in the feet can trigger diabetic neuropathy as well as peripheral vascular disease.

• Diabetic neuropathy– There is a loss of sensation and feeling in the feet because of nerve damage and this condition is called diabetic neuropathy. You are unable to feel a cut or irritation in the feet. You can even develop blisters, which you are unaware of that if left untreated can get infected. As the foot gets poor blood the healing process is extremely slow, so the infection can lead to gangrene and ultimately amputation of the foot, toe, or part of the lower leg.
• Peripheral Vascular disease– High blood glucose for a long time damages the blood vessels and circulatory system causing peripheral vascular disease. The blood vessels are blocked, so the feet do not get sufficient blood. Therefore, the injuries or wounds to the feet heal slowly and are at risk for infection.

Neuropathy and vascular disease make diabetics more vulnerable to infections and trauma than non-diabetic feet. It is wise to plan a foot care treatment with a reliable podiatrist Blue Cross Blue Shield to avoid the concerns of foot ulcers and amputation.

Common foot problems that can cause infection and grave complications like gangrene are –

• Athlete’s foot
• Fungal nail infection
• Calluses
• Corns
• Blisters
• Bunions
• Diabetic ulcer
• Dry & cracked skin
• Planter warts
• Hammertoes
• Ingrown nails

There is a need for proper foot care to avoid these common foot issues and serious complications.

Diabetic foot issue trigger complications like –

• Skin & bone infection
• Abscess
• Deformities
• Gangrene
• Charcot’s foot
• Amputation

Here are some symptoms of diabetic foot issues to look out for –

• Skin color change
• Skin temperature change
• Foot or ankle swelling
• Burning or tingling or pain sensation in the feet
• Corns or calluses
• Open sores in feet that are draining or healing slowly
• Dry cracks around the heel
• Ingrown toenails or fungal infection in toenails
• The unusual odor from the foot that doesn’t go away
• Loss of heat or cold or touch feel

If you experience the above symptoms, it is time to schedule an appointment with the local podiatrist BCBS as soon as possible. It will help to prevent serious foot complications.

Tips to prevent diabetic foot syndrome

The best way to prevent diabetic foot complications is to take regular care not just at home but to go to the podiatrist clinic as scheduled for checkups.

It helps to avert small issues from getting complicated and grave. 

• Check feet daily for cuts, redness, or changes in toenail growth or skin color.
• Wash your feet daily with warm water and dry them. Use talcum powder between toes to soak moisture but avoid applying lotion.
• Trim the toenail properly to avoid any ingrown toenail issues.
• Always wear shoes, socks, or footwear that protects the feet while walking. Never walk barefoot indoors because your feet can get hurt.
• Always make sure that the blood flows to the feet. While sitting raise your legs, wiggle your toes, and choose walking as an exercise.
• If you have corns, calluses, or ingrown nails make sure to have them treated by a podiatrist.

Blood sugar control and regular foot care is the way to avoid diabetes-related foot issue!