Diabetes and feet

Diabetes can cause a number of problems to the feet and all of them develop through a similar process.

Raised blood glucose levels for a long time cause damage to blood vessels. Further, this can lead to damage to the nerves which causes a loss of feeling in the feet and poor blood supply to the legs.

The damage to the nerves is called peripheral neuropathy. This causes a loss of sensation and pain in the lower legs and feet. The loss of feeling or sensations means that any damage or trauma to the foot may not be felt or realised by you.

The damage to the blood vessels causes narrowing which leads to reduced blood flow and oxygen supply to the legs. Both neuropathy and blood supply problems can lead to a higher risk of foot injuries such as breaks in the skin or ulcers which, due to poor circulation, may not heal well or may become infected. The video below explains this process.

Adequate foot care is essential in diabetes to reduce the risk of these complications. This involves keeping nails trimmed and filed, washing and drying feet regularly and keeping them moisturised. Footwear must be checked regularly for any damage or change too.

Regular foot examination or “screening” is a recommended part of routine care for people with diabetes. This video below discusses foot care and foot screening in more detail.

It is important that people with diabetes check their feet for any potential problems every day. Foot screening is used to pick up any early signs of neuropathy (in the form of numbness or tingling sensation in the feet), peripheral vascular disease (resulting in reduced blood flow to the feet) or other abnormalities which may put the individual at increased risk of ulceration or amputation. You should receive foot screening every 1 to 2 years from your podiatrist or practice nurse.