People suffering from diabetes are prone to many other health problems. One of them is a foot problem. If the blood sugar level is high for prolonged periods, it can wreak havoc on many body parts including the feet. The two main conditions that are responsible for foot problems are Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) and Peripheral neuropathy (PN). Let us look at PVD in detail here.
Diabetic Neuropathy- Symptoms and Treatment
The most common form of peripheral neuropathy is due to diabetes. People with diabetes have an abnormal elevation of their glucose and lack adequate insulin to metabolise the glucose. As a consequence, the blood glucose damages the nerve. This can occur in any type of diabetes. It doesn’t matter if the patient is on oral anti diabetic drugs, on insulin or is diet controlled. The nerve damage that occurs is considered to be permanent.
How to Prevent Injuries and Enhance Performance?
Feet are complex systems, that act as an interface between the rest of the body and the ground. It is a major contributor to shock absorption and propulsion. The shock absorption component comes into play when your foot hits the ground, the propulsion phase occurs while you are pushing off and using your foot as a rigid lever to propel you forward. These are two very different functions with different biomechanical requirements.
Importance of Podiatry with Diabetes
Podiatry (foot care) for people with diabetes is one of the most overlooked aspects of diabetes management.
Many people with diabetes are entirely unaware that they need to take special care of their feet and visit a foot specialist at once if problems arise.
Higher levels of blood glucose can damage the nerve endings in many areas of the body and organs, which is why tight blood glucose control is an essential aspect of diabetes care.