Diabetes and Foot Problems

There are 23.6 million (7.8 percent of the world population) people who are affected with diabetes worldwide. The number is very alarming and it gets worst in the coming years because this disease is hereditary in nature and the more the population grows, the bigger the chances of increasing the people affected with diabetes. This disease condition is defined as a chronic metabolic disease of the pancreas resulting from the insufficient secretion of insulin. Insufficient insulin production produces a disorder in carbohydrate metabolism with subsequent protein and fat breakdown.

There are two types of diabetes. Type 1 is the insulin dependent diabetes while type 2 is the non insulin dependent diabetes. Type 1 is characterized as the inability of the body to produce insulin because of the destruction of the beta cells of the pancreas. Type 2 on the other hand, is the insensitivity of the cells to insulin which would still contribute to disturbed carbohydrate metabolism.

The cardinal symptoms of diabetes would include increased urination, increased thirst, increased hunger, weakness and fatigue, numbness and tingling of extremities, and weight loss. One of the most common problems of diabetes is the problems related to the foot. When there is insufficient use of carbohydrates, the body resorts to other forms of energy such as the breakdown of fats first and then muscles. The breakdown of these alternative sources of fuel results in ketone bodies and increase blood sugar making the blood thick and hard to circulate throughout the body. Since blood is mostly needed in the vital organs close to the body, the farther parts like the foot gets little blood because of the compromised circulation.

 One of the foot problems of diabetes are the drying of the foot, tingling sensation and oftentimes loss of sensation, flaking of skin, easily wounded, easily cut, and the formation of blisters. It is important that the person with diabetes take care of the foot daily because the most common complication that would occur in a diabetic foot is gangrene which would then result to amputation.

Taking care of the foot is easy and should be done meticulously. A person should wash the foot daily with careful drying especially between toes. Inspect feet for wounds, cuts, and infections. Activities should be avoided especially when they restrict blood flow to the feet such as crossing the legs or smoking. Going barefoot even on grass should be avoided at all times. Shoes should be carefully chosen and they should all be well fitting shoes and not the tight ones. If newly bought, then these shoes should be worn for a short duration each day. Always wear socks and always inspect shoe if it has sharp or rough edges that might wound or cut the foot. Washing the feet should be done with warm water and should be tested first. Have toe nails cute straight and across on a regular basis. Regular visits should be done and the feet should be inspected by a physician. When corns and calluses have developed, be sure to see a podiatrist so they can be treated immediately.