Diabetes and Your Feet

Shannon Youn, DCh

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by elevated levels of glucose or sugar in the blood due a lack of insulin, insufficient levels of insulin, or increase in insulin resistance in the body. Insulin is required so that the body can absorb sugar from the blood and use it as an energy source; without it, the body will be left with high levels of sugar remaining the bloodstream. Consequently, chronically elevated blood sugar levels can lead to long term, sometimes debilitating complications, including blood vessel damage, neuropathy, and a compromised immune system.

Your body needs sufficient blood flow to receive oxygen and nutrients for its survival. Damage to this system leads to poor circulation and reduced bloody supply. When large vessels are affected, this leads to heart disease and stroke and when small vessels are affected, such as those in eyes and kidneys, this can cause blindness, kidney disease, or kidney failure.

Neuropathy is another common diabetes related complication in which the nerves in one’s body do not function properly, impairing sensation, movement, and gland or organ function. Often times, people will feel tingling, numbness, or burning sensations in their lower limbs, and their feet are not able to detect sensations such as pressure, temperature, and injury. As a result, the risk of getting a diabetic foot ulcer is increased as well as the risk of a non-traumatic lower limb amputation.

Finally, a person with diabetes is also more prone to fungal, bacterial, and viral infections as the body's ability to fight off infection is dimished. That is why it is very important to always try to prevent the introduction of harmful bacteria, fungi, and viruses into the system by maintaining the integrity of the skin.

Put your feet in professional hands and get your feet checked today! At your appointment, expect to receive a diabetic foot assessment which includes assessments for good circulation, signs of neuropathy, risk of foot ulcers, and management for any nail and skin concerns. Receive a diabetic foot assessment by a Licensed Chiropodist who will be able to meet your foot needs and educate you on how to keep your feet healthy.