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Diabetic foot

Did you know that the leading cause of planned amputation in Canada was diabetes? Diabetics should treat their feet like jewelry because they are exposed to many risks, especially if their blood sugar remains high.   Indeed, they are more at risk of developing wounds, loss of sensation or vascular problems.

Symptoms:

  • Loss of protective sensation in the feet, sometimes unnoticed by the patient 

  • Dryness of the skin

  • Higher risk of infection (fungus of the nail, athletes foot, etc)

  • Poor circulation

  • Difficulty healing wounds
     

Causes:

  • A better control of the blood sugar and physical activity helps prevent neuropathy. On the other hand, higher blood sugar levels will speed up the onset of neuropathic symptoms, usually starting from the toes and progressing towards the leg.

  • Ill-fitting shoes and repetitive friction may induce the presence of calluses or wounds that can be difficult to heal properly. ​ 

Prevention:

  • Proper fitting shoes 

  • Diabetes Québec advises to see a podiatrist (or an appropriate health care professional) at least once a year to evaluate the nervous status of the patient 

  • Always look inside your shoes before putting them on

  • Periodically look under your feet to detect any potential cut or break in the skin

For more answers to your questions, ​​
see your neighborhood podiatrist.

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