Chronic complications arising from diabetes often lead to the formation of foot ulcers (open wounds on the foot) that increase a diabetes patient's risk of amputation. In fact, diabetes is the leading cause of non-trauma related amputation in the industrialized world. Factors that increase a diabetes patient's risk for amputation include:
?The presence of neuropathy. Neuropathy results in decreased neural sensation in the foot designed to protect the foot and help identify foot injuries early.
?Dry or cracked skin. Dry or cracked skin is usually caused by decreased sweating among patients who test positive for neuropathy. It increases the likelihood of infection.
?Improper care of the feet. Failure to wash and inspect the feet on a daily basis, or failure to dry the feet thoroughly after washing, promotes the formation of infection and reduces the likelihood of identifying an infection early on.
?Reduced mobility. If a diabetes patient is unable to lead an active lifestyle because of limited joint mobility, foot injury, obesity or any other condition, then he is at a higher risk for serious foot ulceration and amputation. An active lifestyle promotes proper circulation, which helps to fight against infection.
?Impaired vision. Even minor scrapes, blisters, corns and calluses can lead to foot ulceration and serious infection. These minor foot injuries can be difficult to detect, especially if a diabetes patient suffers from impaired vision. Family members or a doctor may need to assist the diabetes patient with daily foot inspections.
?Poor Circulation. Proper circulation enables the body to deliver nutrients and infection-fighting agents to all parts of the body whenever they are needed. The extremities of the body (in this case, the lower leg and foot) are the first to suffer when circulation stops functioning properly. Without this proper flow, infections are much more likely to develop in the foot.
?Poor glucose control. In order to ensure the health of his feet, a diabetes patient must first take care of his blood-glucose levels. Failure to do this limits the body's ability to heal foot ulcers and other wounds.
?History of foot ulcers. Foot ulcers have a tendency to reform in the same area, so if a diabetes patient has battled foot ulcers before, he needs to be even more vigilant against foot injuries in the future.
?Improper Footwear. Shoes that provide the proper orthopedic support are absolutely essentially for people suffering from diabetes. Shoes must not exert stress or pressure on the foot that could lead to the formation of blisters, calluses, corns, bunions, hammertoe, claw toe or any other condition that makes the foot more vulnerable to foot ulcer formation. Some diabetes patients do well with properly fitting athletic shoes. Others find that they need to invest in orthotics or customized orthopedic shoes.
