Originally published July 21 2005
Diabetes leads to a series of complications, including foot issues
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
In a recent article entitled "Diabetes and Feet," eMaxHealth explores the complications of diabetes especially as they pertain to feet, which can lead to foot problems that may require amputation to solve.
Serious complications develop as a result of the impact that diabetes has on blood vessels and the body's circulatory system.
Among other complications, diabetes can cause nerve damage (neuropathy).
It is especially common for people with diabetes to have diminished feeling in their feet.
Unable to feel pain, diabetics are particularly susceptible to foot problems that, left untreated or detected too late, often lead to amputation.
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) reports that about 56,000 lower limb amputations are performed on diabetics each year.
The ADA adds that at least half of these could be eliminated through proper preventative foot care.
Otherwise minor conditions such as ingrown toenails, corns and calluses can be precursors to serious problems for people with diabetes.
Diabetics are also at higher risk for fungus infections of the skin and toenails.
Also, because diabetics have difficulty feeling problem areas, a hammertoe or bunion that is constantly rubbing against one's shoe, for example, can progress to infectious ulcers.
Someone newly diagnosed with diabetes should have their feet checked and any problem areas corrected.
Bunion or hammertoe surgery early on, for example, will prevent serious problems from developing.
Or, sometimes, changing a person's shoes is all that is necessary.
In fact, for eligible patients, Medicare offers a Diabetic Shoe Program through which the patient is entitled to a specially fitted shoe.
The following information about "Diabetes and Your Feet" has been compiled by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.
* Wash your feet every day with warm water and soap.
* If you have nerve disease, check with your doctor to see if it is safe to trim your toenails.
* Wear cotton or wool socks or stockings.
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