Diabetes is a common condition that affects nearly 12% of Americans. While you may know that maintaining a healthy weight and blood sugar level is essential to managing this condition, you may not know that it can also affect your feet. However, with proper foot care, you can lessen your risk of diabetes-related complications. The experts at Lakes Foot & Ankle are here to explain how to keep your feet healthy if you have diabetes or are at risk of developing this disorder.
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a condition that causes blood sugar levels to rise. While some cases may be temporary, like gestational diabetes in those who are pregnant, it is typically a lifelong chronic condition that requires ongoing care. There are two common types of diabetes known as type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Below, we highlight the differences between them and how they are treated.
Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes, also known as juvenile diabetes, typically develops during childhood or adolescence. However, it can affect individuals of any age. This type of diabetes stops the affected person’s body from producing its own insulin, so they require insulin injections to maintain regular blood sugar levels. Because of this, type 1 diabetes is also commonly called insulin-dependent diabetes.
Type 2 Diabetes
Typically developing later in life, type 2 diabetes is strongly associated with obesity and an unhealthy diet. While those with type 2 diabetes can produce their own insulin, it’s often not enough. Injections of insulation may be necessary. However, most treatment plans for this type of diabetes focus on controlling one’s blood sugar and weight through diet and exercise.
Gestational Diabetes
Hormonal changes from pregnancy can affect the body’s ability to manage blood sugar and use insulin. This condition is known as gestational diabetes. It is temporary and typically clears after the child is born. For the health of both the parent and child, regular monitoring by a physician is necessary to manage this type of diabetes.
How Diabetes Impacts Feet
Along with affecting your blood sugar, diabetes can affect your feet. It does this through damage incurred to your blood vessels, immune system, nerves, and other parts of your body caused by excess sugar in your blood. Some common foot conditions associated with diabetes include:
- Nerve damage (Peripheral Neuropathy)
- Peripheral artery disease (PAD)
- Ingrown toenails
- Infections
- Blisters
- Ulcers
- Fungal nails
- Athlete’s foot
Along with these conditions, a podiatrist specializing in diabetic foot care can help you with a variety of other concerns you may have about the impact diabetes has on your feet.
What is Diabetic Foot Care?
While you may see a nutritionist or other specialist to help you manage your diabetes, you may also want to consider seeing a podiatrist. They can provide you with the right care for your diabetic-related foot health concerns. This type of care can include, but is not limited to:
Regular Exams
To keep abreast of changes to your feet related to diabetes, it is recommended that you visit a podiatrist once a year. They can perform a regular foot exam to check for signs of diabetes-related foot complications such as PAD. They can also perform specialized tests, like smart ABI screening.
Wound Care
If you have injured your foot, you definitely want to seek help from a podiatrist, depending on the severity of the injury. If needed, they can provide wound care and offer advice on managing your injury at home as it heals.
Footwear Recommendations
Individuals with diabetes require shoes with good arch support and cushioning to reduce their risk of injury. A podiatrist can recommend appropriate diabetic footwear.
Skin & Nail Care
Good skin and nail care is essential for people with diabetes, who are more prone to ingrown toenails. Your podiatrist can trim your toenails properly and treat any infected or ingrown toenails.
Beyond seeing a podiatrist for diabetic foot care, practice healthy eating and exercise habits to manage your diabetes and reduce your risk of related complications in your feet. However, if you have any questions about how you can benefit from diabetic foot care, contact Lakes Foot & Ankle for a consultation.
Manage Your Diabetes & Foot Health With Lakes Foot & Ankle
If you’re one of the many Americans who has been diagnosed with diabetes, you may not be sure how to best manage your condition. When it comes to your feet, consider seeing a podiatrist specializing in diabetic foot care, like those at Lakes Foot & Ankle. To get started, contact us to schedule an appointment.
Get Professional Diabetic Foot Care at Lakes Foot & Ankle
Diabetes can affect every part of your body, including your feet. Scheduling a regular exam from a podiatrist specializing in diabetic foot care can help you manage your condition with ease. To see how this type of care can benefit you, call Lakes Foot & Ankle in Commerce Township, MI, at (248) 453-2288 or contact us online to schedule an appointment today.
