What diabetic foot? – Mapfre Blogs

The diabetic foot can lead to serious infections and amputations if it is not detected in time. Checking your feet daily, wearing adequate footwear and acting before any alert signal is key to preventing complications.

The diabetic foot is a frequent and serious complication of diabetes mellitus that can significantly affect the quality of life of those who suffer from it. It is characterized by the appearance of feet injuries that, if not treated properly, can lead to serious infections and even amputation.

What causes the diabetic foot?

The main causes of the diabetic foot are:

• Diabetic Neuropathy: Chronic hyperglycemia can damage peripheral nerves, decreasing feet sensitivity. This implies that small injuries or chafing can go unnoticed, increasing the risk of ulcerations.
• Peripheral arterial disease: Diabetes can cause the narrowing and hardening of arteries, reducing blood flow to the lower extremities. This decrease in circulation hinders wound healing and favors the appearance of infections.
• Feet deformities: Structural alterations, such as hammer fingers or bunions, can generate abnormal pressure points, predisposing ulcers.

Alert symptoms and signs

It is essential that people with diabetes pay attention to any change in their feet. Some symptoms and alert signals include:

• Ulcers or sores that do not heal.
• Redness, swelling or temperature increase in some foot zone.
• Pain at rest or during the night.
• Loss of sensitivity or tingling sensation.
• Changes in skin color, such as paleness or bluish areas.
• Recurring nail or skin infections.

Before any of these signs, it is crucial to consult a health professional for adequate evaluation. Remember that in the health insurance of Mapfre you have a large medical picture of specialists who will identify these symptoms in time.

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Possible complications

If it is not handled properly, the diabetic foot can lead to severe complications:

• Infections: Ulcers can infect, spreading infection to deeper tissues and even bone (osteomyelitis).
• Gangrene: The lack of blood flow can cause the death of the tissue, known as gangrene, which usually requires amputation.
• Amputation: It is the most serious consequence and may be necessary when infections do not respond to treatment or there are extensive gangrene. It is estimated that every 20 seconds, somewhere in the world, a person suffers an amputation related to diabetes.

Diabetic foot prevention

Prevention is the most effective tool to avoid complications of the diabetic foot. Here are some essential preventive measures:

Daily feet inspection

People with diabetes should check their feet daily in search of cuts, blisters, redness, swelling or any anomaly. If it is difficult to visualize certain areas, a mirror can be used or request help from a relative.

Adequate hygiene

• Daily washing: Wash the feet with warm water and neutral soap, checking the temperature of the water with the elbow to avoid burns due to the possible loss of sensitivity.
• Thorough drying: Dry carefully, especially among the fingers, to prevent fungal infections.
• Hydration: Apply moisturizer throughout the foot, avoiding space between the fingers, to keep the skin soft and prevent cracks.

Use of footwear and appropriate socks

• Footwear: Use comfortable shoes, wide last, without internal seams that can cause chafing and with good support. It is advisable to check the interior of the footwear before using it to ensure that there are no objects or irregularities.
• Socks: Opt for natural fiber socks, without seams and light colors to easily detect any bleeding or secretion.

Adequate nail cut

Cut the nails straight and not too short to avoid incarnating. If there are difficulties or vision problems, it is advisable to go to a podiatrist.

Avoid risk factors

• Do not walk barefoot: Even at home, to prevent unnoticed injuries.
• Avoid direct heat sources: Do not use hot water bags or electric pads on the feet, since the decrease in sensitivity can cause burns.
• No smoking: Smoking worsens blood circulation, increasing the risk of complications.

What you should know …

• The diabetic foot is a serious complication of diabetes that can significantly affect the quality of life of those who suffer from it.
• However, with good glucose control, periodic reviews and adequate preventive measures, it is possible to significantly reduce the risk of developing ulcers and infections.
• The key to avoiding complications is prevention: the daily inspection of the feet, the use of proper footwear and the timely consultation with a health professional before any alert sign.

Literature

• Centers for disease control and prevention (CDC). How to prevent amputations related to diabetes.

Posted by blog health mapfre