How Should Diabetics Care For Their Feet?



The many contributing factors that contribute to diabetes overall must be addressed in order to fully understand diabetic foot care and why it is so crucial. It is also important to remember that our feet do a lot for us, but are not always at the top of our minds when we think about our health.

How Does Diabetes Affect The Body?

Obesity is one of the major causes of type 2 diabetes, but a sedentary lifestyle is also one of the factors contributing to both. Diabetes is a national healthcare crisis. As a result of a pancreatic inability to produce insulin, diabetics have difficulty breaking down sugar consistently and accurately. The human body prefers a certain level of blood sugar. The pancreas is capable of producing hormones that maintain a healthy blood sugar level when it is in its ideal functioning state. In order to compensate for high blood sugar spikes, the pancreas must be able to produce enough hormones. However, it must also be gentle enough to not produce too many hormones that break down sugars as the spike diminishes. Blood sugar levels are kept within the range of the body by the pancreas. A variety of unusual and unfortunate things occur when blood sugar is not maintained within the body's preferred zone.

Diabetes Complications: What Are They?

Diabetes patients who suffer from pancreatic inaccuracy or overall inability have to manually administer medications to assist their bodies in breaking down sugars. As a result, diabetics develop weakened immune systems if their blood sugar remains high for long periods of time since it is neither foolproof nor as effective as having a fully functioning pancreas. Blood circulation problems are also associated with diabetes, and circulation problems compound the symptoms of diabetes further. A reduction in blood flow to the feet results in wounds, blisters, nail problems, and calluses healing slower. This also contributes to the body becoming a bit immunocompromised. High sugar blocks impulses to the brain, so nerve function also decreases when there is poor circulation to the feet. People with diabetes with neuropathy are unaware that they have it because 75% of them are unaware of the condition when their nerves are damaged. Neuropathy is the loss of "the gift of pain." As diabetic neuropathy patients do not feel pain from cuts or blisters in their feet, infection often sets in before they realize they have a foot injury.

The Health Of Your Feet Is Important For Many Reasons.

Diabetics are more likely to develop infections for all of these reasons combined. Pancreatic hormone troubles cause "sugary bodies," which allow bacteria to grow. Additionally, since there is a lot of potential bacterial food available to the body and the immune system lacks protection, there is often more than one strain of bacteria that contributes to diabetic foot infections. Couple this with the ever-growing antibiotic resistance that bacteria are developing and it is clear to see the imperative need for proper foot care.

Since diabetes patients have a greater risk of self-injury, it is highly recommended that they do not treat their own nails and calluses. Podiatrists recommend frequent visits to catch problems early. The key to diabetic foot complications is prevention. They have a profound impact on quality of life, not to mention the high cost of health care. A Podiatrist should perform shoe gear evaluations.

You can contact our office at 949-588-8833, or visit our website at https://www.ocfootdoctor.com. Our offices are in Laguna Hills, Irvine, Mission Viejo, Aliso Viejo, Lake Forest, Foothill Ranch, and Costa Mesa.

📲 949-588-8833

🏢 24331 El Toro Rd, Suite 370 Laguna Woods CA 92637

🏢Irvine Medical Arts Building 113 Waterworks Way, Suite 250 Irvine, CA 92618

🌐 https://www.ocfootdoctor.com/


The information contained above is intended for general reference purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice or a medical exam. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health professionals before starting any new treatment. Health information on this website MUST NOT be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease without the supervision of your doctor.


Friday, February 10, 2023