Diabetic foot is a health problem related to the nerve and blood vessel changes that long-term diabetes can cause in the feet. Keeping blood sugar within an appropriate range and regular foot monitoring play an important role in reducing the likelihood of these problems developing.
What is diabetic foot?
Over time, diabetes can cause damage to nerves and blood vessels. Nerve damage (neuropathy) can lead to loss of sensation in the feet, while blood vessel damage can lead to reduced blood circulation. When these two conditions occur together, even small wounds may go unnoticed and be slow to heal.
Signs and risk factors
Signs that are recommended to watch for include:
- Numbness, tingling or loss of sensation in the feet
- Feet that look cold and pale
- Slow-healing wounds, redness or swelling
- Changes in the shape of the foot that develop over time
The main factors that can increase the risk are long-term and insufficiently controlled diabetes, smoking, high blood pressure and a history of previous foot wounds.
The importance of daily care in prevention
Daily foot checks, keeping the feet clean and dry, wearing correctly sized shoes and regular follow-up with a physician contribute to prevention. Interventions such as supportive orthotic solutions and special insoles for changes in foot structure are planned only in line with the specialist physician's assessment and prescription.
Consulting a healthcare provider about changes noticed early may help prevent progression.
This content is for informational purposes only; you should consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.
