Diabetic foot ulcers are one of the most common and dangerous consequences of type 2 diabetes. Left untreated, these ulcers can lead to a condition called diabetic gangrene and, in some cases, require amputation.
About 25% of people with type 2 diabetes develop a foot ulcer at some point in their lives. Progressive loss of sensation from nerve damage is one cause of foot ulcers in people with Type 2 diabetes.
To help prevent these issues, there are several steps you can take to protect your feet from further damage and potential amputations. Here are nine ways to avoid diabetes-related foot amputations:
How Can Diabetes Hurt Your Legs and Feet?
There are many ways in which diabetes can affect your legs and feet. Some of the most common conditions that can develop in people with diabetes include nerve damage, swelling, and poor circulation, which can lead to wounds that do not heal properly.
Diabetes can cause peripheral artery disease, which means that the arteries in your legs and feet are narrowed, and blood flow is decreased. This can lead to pain in your legs and feet when you walk or exercise.
Diabetes can also cause neuropathy or damage to the nerves in your legs and feet. This can cause numbness, tingling, or pain in your legs and feet.
Finally, diabetes can cause problems with the bones and joints in your legs and feet. This can lead to pain, deformities, and even amputation of the affected limbs.
What are some factors that make amputation more likely?
Amputation is more likely in people with diabetes who have poor blood flow or have a foot ulcer. People who also smoke, have nerve damage, or are overweight are at an even higher risk.
If you fall under any of these categories, it is paramount that you see your doctor for advice and prevention or management of your condition. You can find a trained expert for the best service.
If you are unsure of where to start, you can do your research on ‘doctor near me’ to get a comprehensive list of the best physicians you can see.
Ways to Avoid Diabetes-Related Foot Amputations
- Avoid Unhealthy Foods and Drinks
One of the first steps to protecting your feet from amputation is to avoid unhealthy foods and drinks. This includes reducing your intake of red meat, sugary foods, and fried foods.
Eating unhealthy foods and drinking sugary beverages can increase your risk for diabetes-related foot amputations. To prevent this, choose healthy foods and drinks that are low in sugar. This will help keep your blood sugar levels under control and reduce your risk for serious complications like amputation.
- Exercise at Least 30 Minutes Daily
Exercising at least 30 minutes daily will improve your blood flow, lower your blood pressure, and help you maintain a healthy weight. Exercising regularly will also reduce your risk of developing foot wounds and infections.
If you have diabetes, it is important to check with your doctor before starting any exercise program. They can let you know if the exercises are safe for you and what modifications you may need to make based on your individual medical situation.
If you are not sure where to begin, take advantage of the resources available to you through your doctor’s office. Your doctor should be able to direct you to a local organization that offers free exercise programs for people with diabetes.
- Take Medication Prescribed by Your Doctor
Taking insulin and other diabetes medication prescribed by your primary care doctor will help you keep your blood sugar levels under control. This will reduce your risk of developing foot wounds and infections.
Make sure you understand how to use each type of insulin and how much you should be taking each day. If you notice any side effects, talk to your doctor about adjusting your insulin dosage.
- Reduce Stress in Your Life
Stress can cause many problems for people with diabetes. It can raise your blood sugar levels, cause you to eat unhealthy foods, and increase your blood pressure.
Reducing stress in your life can help keep your blood sugar levels under control. It can also reduce your risk of developing foot wounds and infections.
Finding ways to reduce stress in your life is important for all people. However, it is especially critical for those living with diabetes.
- Check Your Feet Every Day
Checking your feet every day is one of the most important things you can do to avoid foot problems. If you notice any cuts, bruises, blisters, cracks, redness, or swelling on your feet, it’s important to see your doctor right away.
These could be signs of an underlying condition that needs to be treated. Don’t wait until the problem gets worse – make an appointment with your doctor today.
- Maintain Clean and Dry Feet
Keeping your feet clean and dry is important for preventing infection. Ensure to wash your feet daily with soap and clean water. Afterward, you should dry them thoroughly, concentrating between the toes.
Trimming your nails regularly will help prevent ingrown toenails. Cut your nails straight across and file them down if they are sharp.
- Wear Shoes That Fit Properly
Wearing shoes that fit properly is an important recommendation by podiatrist for preventing blisters and other foot problems. Ensure that you wear shoes that are not too tight. Also, avoid shoes that are too loose so you don’t trip over them. Just make sure that there is enough room to wiggle your toes.
8. Don’t Smoke
Smoking is bad for your overall health, but it’s especially bad for your feet. Smoking decreases blood flow to your feet, which can lead to problems like ulcers and infections. This is because there is less blood flowing to the feet to fight off infection and heal wounds.
- See Your Doctor Regularly
Seeing your doctor regularly is important for detecting foot problems early. Your doctor will check your feet for any problems and can give you advice on how to keep them healthy. This will help you manage your diabetes, which is important for preventing foot problems.
Conclusion
Diabetes can damage your feet in a variety of ways, including the development of foot ulcers. Foot ulcers can be painful and may require treatment using antibiotics.
Diabetic foot ulcers are one of the most common and dangerous consequences of type 2 diabetes. Left untreated, these ulcers can lead to a condition called diabetic gangrene and, in some cases, require amputation.
If you think that you have developed a foot ulcer or you suspect that you have a diabetic foot problem, it is important to see your nearest doctor.
Remember that diabetic foot ulcers are much more likely to develop in people who have type 2 diabetes than in those who do not have the disease. While some people with diabetes have warty, diabetic skin lesions on their feet and ankle area, these are not caused by the same thing as diabetic foot ulcers.