The aging population, sedentary lifestyle, and
obesity have increased the number of diabetics. Controlling the risk factors associated with diabetes improves the life expectancy of those affected.
Diabetic Foot
80% of diabetic foot patients experience altered sensitivity, making them more prone to developing ulcers.
A very characteristic injury of people with diabetes is the diabetic foot, which results from alterations in sensitivity (peripheral neuropathy) and blood flow in the arteries (peripheral arthropathy). The risk of this injury increases as diabetes progresses, with amputation rates around 4 per 1,000 patients per year. It is estimated that 15% of diabetics will experience diabetic foot lesions at some point in their lives.
The most important factors for its development include poor diabetes control, neuropathy, foot deformities (Charcot arthropathy), arterial disease, and smoking. 80% of diabetic foot patients present sensitivity alterations and are the most likely to develop ulcers.
Such alterations make even minor injuries or wounds cause difficult-to-heal ulcers and severe infections, pain, and in advanced cases, amputations.
Signs of Diabetic Foot
The first signs indicating the appearance of diabetic foot are redness in some areas of the foot, an increase in temperature, calluses that do not improve and eventually ulcerate. These initial injuries can progress to a deep ulcer affecting bone, leading to osteomyelitis and, in very advanced cases, gangrene. With proper monitoring and control, these injuries are preventable.
Diabetic Foot Care
Strict diabetes control and managing the other mentioned risk factors significantly reduce the frequency of these complications. In this regard, diabetics should be regularly examined by their general doctors and trained in proper foot hygiene and care. Keeping this in mind, here are some tips:
- Do not excessively cut nails.
- Do not walk barefoot.
- Check the water temperature before soaking feet.
- Use moisturizing creams.
Frequent foot inspections by a doctor or nurse are necessary. Sensitivity (superficial and vibratory, with a monofilament or tuning fork) should be evaluated to identify the first signs of neuropathy. The ankle/brachial index should be assessed for arterial disease, and seemingly harmless wounds should be monitored closely. If you have calluses or deformities, always consult a podiatrist or orthopedic surgeon, depending on the type of injury. When such lesions are found, antibiotics and careful removal of infected or necrotic tissue are recommended through daily dressings at your health center or more complex treatments by a vascular surgeon.
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