Foot Care in Diabetic Patients
Written by Dr. Divakara P and medically reviewed by Dr. Sneha Kannan
The incidence of diabetes is growing day by day. Since the past few years, awareness of diabetes has increased. More and more people are being screened for diabetes and treated as well.
Even among diabetic patients awareness about the course of the disease, its management and complications are increasing.
People are ready to accept investigations and treatment not only to reduce blood glucose levels but also to prevent future complications of diabetes.
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Care for Foot:
What is very sad is that the care of foot in the diabetic population is being neglected both from medical personnel and from the patient.
Diabetes causes nerve damage which happens very slowly. Due to this nerve damage (diabetic neuropathy), the sensation in the foot starts reducing slowly.
The patient will not be aware of the development of sensory loss in the feet. And when the sensory loss is extreme, the patient may not sense any pain or burn over his foot.
Due to this sensory loss, patients are at high risks for repeated trauma, ulcers, wounds which can become infected very badly leading to amputation (surgical removal of part of a body).
How to Take Care of Diabetic Foot?
- Daily examination of feet by the attendee of the patient.
- Yearly once an examination of feet by the doctor.
- Testing for sensation over the foot by the doctor.
- Proper treatment and care of all the wounds and ulcers in diabetic patients.
- Use of specialized footwear for diabetic patients with sensory impairment in the foot.
- Color Doppler of the foot to be done every year.
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