Diabetes type 2: Four early signs on the feet not to ignore – could lead to amputations
Diabetes expert reveals rise of cases in children during pandemic
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info
Type 2 diabetes is an impairment in the way the body regulates and uses sugar as a fuel. This long-term condition results in too much sugar circulating in the bloodstream. Eventually, high blood sugar levels can lead to disorders of the circulatory, nervous and immune systems. The result could also lead to harrowing damage done to the feet which could lead to amputations. What are the four early signs in your feet which could indicate you’re at risk?
Many signs of consistently high blood sugar levels are concentrated in the feet.
This is because high blood sugar levels often damage the nerves of your extremities first – a process known as neuropathy.
According to the Mayo Clinic, signs of neuropathy include burning, tingling, weakness or pain in your hands or feet.
These sensations often interfere with “daily activities or sleep”, warns the health body.
READ MORE: How to lose visceral fat: The simple and free daily activity proven to reduce belly fat
Everyone with diabetes should have an annual foot check.
“Your foot check is part of your annual review, which means you should have it as part of your diabetes care and it’s free on the NHS,” explains Diabetes UK.
According to the health body, this is because you’re more likely to have serious foot problems and these can lead to amputations.
The NHS reports that people who have diabetes are 15 times more likely to undergo amputations than other people without the condition.
Diabetes is one of the leading causes of amputation of the lower limbs throughout the world.
Charity Diabetes UK notes that problems of the foot are the most frequent reasons for hospitalisation amongst patients who have diabetes.
In a study published in the National Library of Health, diabetes causing foot ulcers and amputations was further investigated.
The study noted: “Approximately 40-60 percent of all amputations of the lower extremity are performed in patients with diabetes.
“More than 85 percent of these amputations are precipitated by a foot ulcer deteriorating to deep infection or gangrene.
“The negative consequences of diabetic foot ulcers on quality of life include not only morbidity but also disability and premature mortality.”
According to Diabetes.co.uk, factors increasing a person’s risk of amputations include:
- Neuropathy
- Circulation problems
- Foot ulcers
- Charcot foot
- Other damage to the foot
Source: Read Full Article