Foot problems related to diabetes

Content provided by Healthwise

Foot problems related to diabetes

People with diabetes who have high blood sugar levels are at risk for foot problems. High blood sugar levels:

• Cause nerve damage and poor blood circulation, which decrease feeling in the feet. This means that you can injure your feet and not know it.
• Decrease the body's ability to fight infection. Injuries, such as blisters or ingrown toenails, may heal more slowly and are more likely to become infected.

Foot sores (ulcers) can develop from calluses or blisters caused by friction or rubbing from wearing ill-fitting shoes. Ulcers can also develop from untreated cuts or wounds on the feet.

Foot infections can become severe and travel up the leg and into the bones, which may lead to amputation.

Other foot problems are more common in people with diabetes and can be caused by a breakdown of foot joints and bones (Charcot foot), ill-fitting shoes, or other problems.

Foot problems are usually treated by keeping blood sugar levels in a safe range and by using medications, surgery, and other types of treatment.

All people with diabetes should check their feet regularly for problems. Regular foot exams by health professionals are important as well.

Credits

Last updated:	November 18, 2008
Author:	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Reviewed By:	Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine, Matthew I. Kim, MD - Endocrinology & Metabolism
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman, MATC