Podiatrists and Diabetes

The disease known as Diabetes Mellitus is caused when the body does not produce enough insulin or when the body's insulin is not capable of performing its action. Diabetes can affect many parts of the body, especially the feet. According to the American Diabetes Association, about 15.7 million Americans (5.9% of the United States population) have diabetes. It is very important that a diabetic gives the feet very special care. A small problem in a healthy person could become a severe one to a diabetic.

Diabetes can affect the feet in a number of different ways. The first is infection, which is one of the most common complications of the diabetic foot. Because diabetes causes reduced immune response, a diabetic patient's ability to fight infection is decreased. Early treatment of infection is a critical component to success. If neglected, infection of the foot can cause gangrene, ulceration, osteomyelitis, and even amputation. One of the most important factors contributing to infection of the lower extremities is inadequate blood supply or peripheral vascular disease.

Another complication of diabetes called neuropathy cases decreased sensation to pain and temperature. This may cause a patient to underestimate a foot problem. It may also be responsible for an absence of perspiration leading to dry, cracking skin that can easily become infected. Muscle weakness may also be present resulting in toe deformities and calluses on the balls of the feet which tend to become infected.

Foot ulcers are local skin defects with inflammation or infection. They can be caused by lack of circulation, infection, lack of protection, and improperly fitting shoes. A break in the skin without proper treatment may become an ulcer. Diabetics are at higher risk for developing foot ulcers.

With a diabetic foot, a wound as small as a blister from wearing a shoe that's too tight can cause a lot of damage. Diabetes decreases blood flow, so injuries are slow to heal. When your wound is not healing, it's at risk for infection. As a diabetic, your infections spread quickly. If you have diabetes, you should inspect your feet every day. Look for puncture wounds, bruises, pressure areas, redness, warmth, blisters, ulcers, scratches, cuts, and nail problems. Get someone to help you, or use a mirror. Diabetic foot care can be very complicated and good podiatric care is an essential component of managing diabetes.

When your feet lose feeling, they are at risk for becoming deformed. One way this happens is through ulcers. Open sores may become infected. Another way is the bone condition Charcot (pronounced "sharko") Foot. This is one of the most serious foot problems you can face. It warps the shape of your foot when your bones fracture and disintegrate, and yet you continue to walk on it because it doesn't hurt. Diabetic foot ulcers and early phases of Charcot fractures can be treated simply with non-surgical methods.