Foot Complications with Diabetes

By Armen Hareyan for EmaxHealth.com

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. 60% to 70% of diabetics are affected by neuropathy.

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.