Diabetic Foot

Diabetes is a disease characterized by high blood glucose levels. Over a period of time it can damage the nerves, kidneys, eyes, and blood vessels. By compromising immunity, diabetes can also decrease the body’s ability to fight infection. Foot problems commonly develop in people with diabetes and can quickly become serious.

• People with diabetes must be fully aware and vigilant about recognizing the foot problems as early as possible. The prevention of foot infections, ulcer and gangrene depends on a very good sugar control, nutrition, neurologic and vascular functions.
• People with diabetes should learn how to examine their own feet and how to recognize the early signs and symptoms of diabetic foot problems.
• They should also learn what is reasonable to manage routine at home foot care, how to recognize when to call the doctor, and how to recognize when a problem has become serious enough to seek emergency treatment.