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Diabetes can make your feet more vulnerable to infections, but a little extra care and regular check-ups can keep your feet healthy. By building a simple foot care routine and visiting your podiatrist, you can stay a step ahead of complications.
Some of the unfortunate side effects of diabetes are nerve damage and poor circulation in the feet. When blood sugar levels remain elevated for prolonged periods of time, glucose builds up in the bloodstream, triggering inflammation and oxidative stress, which ultimately lead to blood vessels becoming damaged.
Nerves get damaged by having their protective sheath, the myelin, exposed to excess glucose in the bloodstream.
As a consequence, sensation in the feet is reduced, making it difficult to notice cuts, blisters, or sores that can become serious if left untreated.
With diabetes, due to compromised blood flow, immunity is also reduced. Something as small as a cut or a blister can turn into a serious infection, ulcer, or even lead to amputation if the infection spreads and your immune system isn’t able to fight it.
However, by ensuring your blood sugar levels are stable, and with regular visits to your podiatrist, you won’t have to worry about worst-case scenarios.
To help you out, we asked our experts at Ledesma Foot and Ankle how often a diabetic should see a podiatrist and what other strategies one can implement to ensure their feet stay healthy
How often should you see your podiatrist when living with diabetes?
If your blood sugar levels are well-controlled with medications and you don’t have any symptoms in your feet, once or twice per year might be enough.
However, if you struggle with poor blood flow to the feet, have neuropathy, or have a history of foot complications, more frequent visits — every 2-3 months — are highly recommended.
Signs of poor blood flow to the feet include tingling, numbness, loss of sensation, sharp shooting pain, muscle weakness, and deformities.
Taking care of your feet on a day-to-day basis
In addition to seeing a podiatrist regularly, day-to-day care is essential to ensure you’re well.
Daily inspections are a must. As a diabetic, when you get injured in the feet, you’re less likely to feel it due to loss of sensation, and you’re also more likely to get a serious infection, even from small cuts and blisters.
Wearing comfortable footwear is also a must, as it prevents blisters and pressure points. Customized orthotics may help by taking pressure off your feet.
Cutting your nails straight across instead of rounding the corners can prevent ingrown nails, as these can get infected too.
How a podiatrist ensures your feet are well
If you haven’t seen a podiatrist recently, this is your sign to schedule a consultation! Our team at Ledesma Foot and Ankle, located in Scottsdale, Arizona, is dedicated to helping you stay ahead of potential issues.
During your visit, our specialists perform a range of tests, including sensation tests to check for neuropathy, vascular tests to assess blood flow, and thorough examinations for signs of infections, deformities, or other complications, giving you peace of mind and ensuring you’re in good health.