How do diabetes affect the feet?

How does diabetes cause foot problems? Foot problems are common in people with diabetes. They can happen over time when high blood sugar
high blood sugar
Hyperglycemia is a condition in which an excessive amount of glucose circulates in the blood plasma. This is generally a blood sugar level higher than 11.1 mmol/l (200 mg/dL), but symptoms may not start to become noticeable until even higher values such as 13.9–16.7 mmol/l (~250–300 mg/dL).
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Hyperglycemia
damages the nerves and blood vessels in the feet
. The nerve damage, called diabetic neuropathy, can cause numbness, tingling, pain, or a loss of feeling in your feet.
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What are signs of diabetes in your feet?

Signs of Diabetic Foot Problems
  • Changes in skin color.
  • Changes in skin temperature.
  • Swelling in the foot or ankle.
  • Pain in the legs.
  • Open sores on the feet that are slow to heal or are draining.
  • Ingrown toenails or toenails infected with fungus.
  • Corns or calluses.
  • Dry cracks in the skin, especially around the heel.
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How do you treat diabetic feet?

Some people with diabetes wear therapeutic shoes or shoe inserts to help prevent wounds or sores. Washing your feet every day in warm water, not hot. Dry them thoroughly afterward, including between the toes. Then apply lotion to the tops and bottoms of the feet, but not between the toes.
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How does type 2 diabetes affect your feet?

Raised blood glucose levels, also known as blood sugar, can damage the sensation in your feet. This can also affect your circulation, which can lead to you getting less blood supply to your feet. Without a good blood supply you may have problems with cuts and sores healing.
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Can diabetic foot be cured?

Background. Diabetic foot infections are a frequent clinical problem. About 50% of patients with diabetic foot infections who have foot amputations die within five years. Properly managed most can be cured, but many patients needlessly undergo amputations because of improper diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.
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Diabetes and How It Affects the Feet



What are 10 warning signs of diabetes?

Early signs and symptoms of diabetes
  • Frequent urination. When your blood sugar is high, your kidneys expel the excess blood sugar, causing you to urinate more frequently. ...
  • Increased thirst. ...
  • Fatigue. ...
  • Blurred vision. ...
  • Increased hunger. ...
  • Unexplained weight loss. ...
  • Slow healing cuts and wounds. ...
  • Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet.
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What does diabetic legs look like?

Also known as “shin spots,” the hallmark of diabetic dermopathy is light brown, scaly patches of skin, often occurring on the shins. These patches may be oval or circular. They're caused by damage to the small blood vessels that supply the tissues with nutrition and oxygen.
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What are the 3 most common symptoms of undiagnosed diabetes?

The three most common symptoms of undiagnosed diabetes include:
  • Increased thirst (polydipsia) High blood sugar levels cause increased thirst.
  • Increased urination (polyuria) Needing to urinate more throughout the day. Urinating more often than usual at night.
  • Increased hunger (polyphagia)
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How do you feel when your blood sugar is too HIgh?

If your blood sugar level is too high, you may experience:
  1. Increased thirst.
  2. Frequent urination.
  3. Fatigue.
  4. Nausea and vomiting.
  5. Shortness of breath.
  6. Stomach pain.
  7. Fruity breath odor.
  8. A very dry mouth.
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Should diabetics wear socks to bed?

Consider socks made specifically for patients living with diabetes. These socks have extra cushioning, do not have elastic tops, are higher than the ankle and are made from fibers that wick moisture away from the skin. Wear socks to bed. If your feet get cold at night, wear socks.
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Why can't diabetics cut their toenails?

Myth: People with diabetes can't cut their own toenails

Don't cut them straight across, curved down the sides, or too short. Remember, your nails are there to protect your toes.
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What are the warning signs of neuropathy?

Some of the symptoms that are most typical of first or early-stage neuropathy include the following:
  • Itchiness.
  • Tingling, prickling, or “pins-and-needles” sensation.
  • Burning sensations.
  • Sudden, intermittent “electric shock” pain.
  • Intermittent muscle spasms or cramping.
  • Hypersensitivity to touch or temperature.
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What are the early signs of being a diabetic?

Hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar, causes many of the warning signs of diabetes listed above, including:
  • Heavy thirst.
  • Blurry vision.
  • Peeing a lot.
  • More hunger.
  • Numb or tingling feet.
  • Fatigue.
  • Sugar in your urine.
  • Weight loss.
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Can drinking water lower blood sugar?

Drink water and stay hydrated

Drinking water regularly may rehydrate the blood, lower blood sugar levels, and reduce diabetes risk ( 20 , 21 ).
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What drink lowers blood sugar?

When participants in the study drank one cup of chamomile tea after meals three times per day for six weeks, they showed a reduction in blood sugar levels, insulin, and insulin resistance.
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What is a good breakfast for diabetics?

10 Best Breakfast Foods for People with Diabetes
  1. Eggs. Eggs are delicious, versatile, and a great breakfast choice for people with diabetes. ...
  2. Greek yogurt with berries. ...
  3. Overnight chia seed pudding. ...
  4. Oatmeal. ...
  5. Multigrain avocado toast. ...
  6. Low carb smoothies. ...
  7. Wheat bran cereal. ...
  8. Cottage cheese, fruit, and nut bowl.
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What are the 6 symptoms of diabetes?

Diabetes Symptoms
  • Urinate (pee) a lot, often at night.
  • Are very thirsty.
  • Lose weight without trying.
  • Are very hungry.
  • Have blurry vision.
  • Have numb or tingling hands or feet.
  • Feel very tired.
  • Have very dry skin.
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What are the 9 signs and symptoms of high blood sugar?

Signs and symptoms include:
  • Fruity-smelling breath.
  • Nausea and vomiting.
  • Shortness of breath.
  • Dry mouth.
  • Weakness.
  • Confusion.
  • Coma.
  • Abdominal pain.
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Does diabetes cause weight gain in stomach?

Diabetes belly fat is a serious problem that can also signal heart failure. May people are not aware that the little stubborn fat around the waist that does not easily come off is due to the insulin problem. If you have high blood sugar there is a good chance that you have a problem removing the fat around the waist.
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What is a diabetic foot?

Foot problems are common in people with diabetes. They can happen over time when high blood sugar damages the nerves and blood vessels in the feet. The nerve damage, called diabetic neuropathy, can cause numbness, tingling, pain, or a loss of feeling in your feet.
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What does neuropathy in feet feel like?

Gradual onset of numbness, prickling or tingling in your feet or hands, which can spread upward into your legs and arms. Sharp, jabbing, throbbing or burning pain. Extreme sensitivity to touch.
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How can diabetics improve circulation in legs?

Exercise: Engage in some form of cardiovascular activity for 30 minutes five days a week to keep your blood pumping. Biking, walking, running, swimming, and aerobics are good options. The most important thing is to be sure you're moving your toes, feet, ankles, and legs.
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What kind of food should diabetics avoid?

  • Sugar-sweetened beverages. Sugary beverages are the worst drink choice for someone with diabetes. ...
  • Trans fats. Artificial trans fats are extremely unhealthy. ...
  • White bread, rice, and pasta. ...
  • Fruit-flavored yogurt. ...
  • Sweetened breakfast cereals. ...
  • Flavored coffee drinks. ...
  • Honey, agave nectar, and maple syrup. ...
  • Dried fruit.
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What are the signs of diabetes in a woman?

Both men and women may experience the following symptoms of undiagnosed diabetes:
  • increased thirst and hunger.
  • frequent urination.
  • weight loss or gain with no obvious cause.
  • fatigue.
  • blurred vision.
  • wounds that heal slowly.
  • nausea.
  • skin infections.
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How long can you have diabetes without knowing?

Type 1 diabetes can develop quickly over weeks or even days. Many people have type 2 diabetes for years without realising because the early symptoms tend to be general.
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