Diabetic Foot Care: What is it?

In order to understand why diabetic foot care is so important, it is crucial to understand the many contributing factors that contribute to the overall condition of diabetes. We should also remember our feet do a lot for us, but they're not always the first thing we think of when it comes to our health.

Diabetes: What is it?

The diabetes epidemic is a national health care crisis. In addition to obesity, sedentary lifestyles contribute to diabetes as well. The pancreas is unable to produce Insulin, so diabetics are unable to consistently and accurately break down sugars. Blood sugar levels in the human body have a specific range. This is the body's blood sugar "comfort zone." In optimal functioning, the pancreas can produce hormones to maintain a stable blood sugar level. A healthy pancreas is able to produce enough hormones to account for blood sugar spikes while at the same time having a gentle touch to produce less and less of the hormones needed to break down sugars (as spikes diminish) The pancreas helps to keep blood sugar levels within the body's comfort range. If blood sugars cannot be controlled within the body's preferred zone, unusual and unfortunate things begin to happen.

The complications of diabetes include what?

In order to prevent pancreatic inaccuracy or an overall inability to process sugar, diabetics must manually administer medications to their bodies so that they can break sugar down. However, this is not 100% foolproof or as effective as a fully functioning pancreas. As a result, diabetics who have high blood sugar levels for an extended period of time develop weakened immune systems. Diabetes is also associated with problems with blood circulation, and these problems further compound diabetes-related problems for patients. As a result of less blood flowing to the feet, wounds, blisters, nail problems, and calluses heal slower, explaining why the immune system becomes compromised. The nerves in the feet will also be affected by poor circulation to the feet. In addition, high levels of sugar block nerve impulses in the brain. The loss of these nerves can result in a condition called neuropathy in the feet, which essentially means a loss of the gift of pain. This is exactly why 75% of people with diabetes have neuropathy and are unaware of it. With diabetic neuropathy, patients do not feel the pain in their feet from an open wound or blister; therefore, infection often occurs before they realize they have an injury.

What is the importance of foot health?

Because of all of these factors combined, diabetics are at greater risk of infection. "Sugary bodies" are the result of pancreatic hormone problems, allowing bacteria to thrive. Furthermore, it is important to note that diabetic foot infections often involve more than one strain of bacteria due to the abundance of potential bacterial food and the absence of immune system protection from the body. Add to this the fact that bacteria are evolving increasingly resistant to antibiotics, and it is clear why proper foot care is so imperative.

Due to the increased risk of self-injury, it is highly recommended that those with diabetes not treat their own nails and calluses. Early detection of issues is possible through frequent visits to a Podiatrist. Prevention is the best medicine. Not to mention the high costs associated with diabetic foot complications, diabetes foot complications have a profound effect on the quality of life. An evaluation of shoe gear should be carried out by a podiatrist.

Are you ready to schedule an appointment? All-in-One Foot Care Center is here to help! You can contact our office at 949-588-8833, or visit our website at https://www.ocfootdoctor.com. Our offices are located 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

🌐 https://www.ocfootdoctor.com