From a general perspective, type-2 diabetes is an impairment in the way the body regulates and uses glucose (sugar), which is a result from too much sugar circulating in the bloodstream that affects various organs and systems in the body. This causes the pancreas to not produce enough insulin needed for the body and the disorder can spread to the circulatory, nervous, and cardiovascular systems. Some of the complications that can result from type-2 diabetes include heart disease, kidney deterioration, eye damage, hearing impairment, frequent sleep apnea, and other conditions that need to be treated frequently.
One condition in particular that is caused by diabetes is peripheral neuropathy, which refers to excessive nerve damage in the limbs and spinal cord, causing impairment in motor or sensory functions and causing permanent damage in these functions. As high blood sugar causes damage over time, it can destroy the nerves in the legs and feet through tingling, burning, numbing, or painful sensations. It can also lead to a loss of blood flow to the legs or cause ulcers and gangrene to develop, which can result in completely cutting off a toe, foot, or leg to prevent further infection.
As such, it’s critical to not only care about weight and sugar consumption to avoid developing diabetes, but to also practice foot and leg care to prevent neuropathy from developing. Some ways that can help improve daily foot care and diabetes in general are the following:
- Exercise frequently
- Avoid food and beverages that are high in sugar
- Washing feet regularly
- Checking for sores or any other conditions
- Trim toenails and smooth calluses gently
- Keep blood flowing to the legs
- Protect feet from hot and cold
- Wear shoes and socks at all times
- Attend regular check-ups and health visits
Properly caring for your body can be a complicated task without the right knowledge and help by your side, but Soleil Surgical has the right team to help guide you through the risks and concerns you may have to lead you to a better lifestyle, with the best vascular and podiatric care we can provide. Contact us at soleil@soleilsurgical.com or by calling at (407) 343-4983, or visit our website at www.soleilsurgical.com.