Diabetes is a chronic condition that causes your blood sugar levels to become dangerously high. Leaving your blood sugar to roam freely can then lead to a slew of serious complications. One of the most severe outcomes could be needing a foot amputation. Fortunately, there are some early warning signs that could warn you of the condition that precedes this worst case scenario – foot ulcers.
High blood sugar levels show no mercy to any part of your body, including your feet.
Diabetes UK explains that both type 1 and type 2 diabetics can see their blood vessels damaged due to high blood glucose, which targets how blood flows to your feet and legs.
While unhealed ulcers and foot infections drive diabetes related amputations, diabetic foot ulcers are usually the main culprit steering the wheel.
In fact, the charity warns that diabetic foot ulcers precede more than 80 percent of “amputations”.
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Foot ulcers describe a patch of broken down skin usually on the lower leg or foot, according to Diabetes.co.uk.
When your blood sugar levels are too high or regularly fluctuating, the skin that would otherwise heal may not be able to properly repair itself because of nerve damage.
This calls for extra caution as even a mild injury could set off the process leading to a foot ulcer.
One of the first warning signs of a foot ulcer is discharge from your foot, which might even stain your socks or leak out to your shoe.
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Other early signs to watch out for include any blisters, unusual swelling, irritation, redness, bluish marks and strange odours from one or both feet.
The NHS adds that your foot might become swollen which could make your shoes feel tight.
Any pain or feelings of being unwell should also be taken seriously and checked with an expert straight away.
The health service states: “You should contact one of your diabetes care team the same day. If your GP or podiatry clinic is closed, contact the Out of Hours service.
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“Tell them you have diabetes and that your foot ulcer has changed.”
While less serious foot ulcers can still heal with treatment, some people with diabetes might need amputation as the end result of a foot ulcer, according to Diabetes.co.uk.
Fortunately, there’s plenty you can do to ensure that your feet are safe and your risk of this daunting outcome is lower.
Diabetes UK recommends patients with the blood sugar condition to look after their feet, and check them regularly to look out for any red flag signs of foot problems.
Diabetes.co.uk recommends washing your feet everyday with lukewarm water and soap, drying your feet well especially between the toes, moisturising the skin with the exception of the toes and keeping your nails a “reasonable” length.
The health portal adds that damage to your feet can be reduced by avoiding walking barefoot, wearing correctly fitting footwear and keeping your feet in good condition.
Diabetes UK adds: “It is also crucial that people with diabetes know how important it is to seek medical attention if they spot any signs of foot problems.
“A matter of hours can make the difference between losing a foot, and keeping a foot.”
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