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Foot Clinic Home |
Introduction |
Why are they worse
for people with diabetes? In people with diabetes, these problems frequently lead to infections. If blood glucose levels are high, your ability to fight infection is weakened. High glucose levels cause two other problems that can significantly hurt your feet:
These two conditions can work together to cause a foot problem, or to make it harder
for a foot condition to heal. See the example in the box.
How will I know if I'm at risk for
diabetic foot problems? About 15% of people with diabetes
will develop foot ulceration at some point, and 14% to 24% of these will have to have an
amputation. The majority of these - almost 60% - occur in people who are 65 and older.
The risk for foot ulceration leading to amputation increases in people over 40 who have
had diabetes for 10 years or longer.
People are at high risk for foot problems if they have loss of protective sensation -
such that you can't feel an injury, or vascular disease causing poor blood flow in your
feet and legs. Other risk factors are skin disorders such as
calluses, especially with
redness or bleeding under a callus,
and nail abnormalities such as very thick nails. Structural/bony deformities such as
hammertoes or
bunions and limited joint mobility
are also risk factors.
In addition, people who do not have good control of their blood glucose are at
increased risk, as are those who have cardiovascular, eye, or kidney complications.
People who have had foot ulcers or amputation previously have, by definition, the
necessary risk factors for future problems.
The American Podiatric Medical Association has identified specific conditions
that warn of impending foot problems - see the box.
If you experience any of these conditions, contact your healthcare provider or
podiatrist right away. They should be properly managed in order to avoid complications.
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As the world’s top supplier of commercial blood pressure monitors and health management systems, Lifeclinic is committed to helping to improve the health and wellbeing of individuals across the globe. Active monitoring of blood pressure, heart rate, weight, body fat, body mass index (BMI) and blood oxygen levels when combined with proper diet, nutrition and physical fitness can help ensure a longer, more healthy lifestyle. © 2011 Sentry Health Monitors, Inc. |
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Risks |
Diabetic foot problems can be serious |
