A diabetic foot is a possible consequence of diabetes and, in the worst case, can result in an amputation. We will introduce you to the clinical picture, how it is treated medically and what you can do to prevent it.
In Germany, between 2 and 10 percent of all diabetics are affected by diabetic foot syndrome – that’s around 160,000 to 800,000 people. In the worst case, the foot tissue is so severely damaged that individual toes or even the entire foot have to be amputated. That’s what this disease is all about.
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What is diabetic foot syndrome?
The damage that poorly controlled diabetes can cause is made clear by the diabetic foot syndrome. Long-term high blood sugar levels damage both the blood vessels (diabetic angiopathy) and nerves (diabetic neuropathy), which greatly reduces blood flow and sensation in certain parts of the body. The feet of diabetics are most often affected – blood circulation decreases, a slight feeling of numbness spreads and small injuries are no longer noticed.
Due to the often disturbed wound healing in diabetes, supposedly harmless wounds can lead to a life-threatening infection. If a germ spreads in the bloodstream, it can lead to so-called sepsis – blood poisoning with possible fatal consequences. It is all the more important to identify a diabetic foot as early as possible and to initiate medical treatment.
Diabetic foot: treatment and prevention
Above a certain degree of severity, the spread of the infection must be stopped by amputation. To prevent this from happening, doctors have a toolbox of further measures at their disposal: they use antibiotics to combat bacterial infections. Wounds on the foot are adequately treated and supported in their healing. If tissue has already died, the relevant area can be surgically removed to prevent further necrosis. Bypasses can also be placed in the lower leg to relieve the disturbed blood flowand compensate for vascular occlusions. In order to relieve the feet, those affected should also pay attention to suitable shoes, practice extraordinary hygiene and foot care and be physically active to stimulate blood circulation.
To prevent and prevent diabetic foot, you can also pay attention to the following points:
- Check your feet regularly for injuries
- Attend all medical check-up appointments
- Get your blood sugar optimally adjusted
- Exercise and eat a balanced diet to lower blood sugar
- Only wear suitable shoes without pressure points
- Have possible athlete’s foot and nail fungi treated by a doctor
- Disinfect any wounds that occur and have them adequately treated by a doctor
