Stories
Diabetes Warning: Take Special Care of Your Feet to Prevent Nerve Damage and Loss of Sensation
- •Globally, about 580 million adults suffer from diabetes, and continuously high blood sugar can severely damage nerves.
- •Diabetic peripheral neuropathy causes tingling, burning, numbness, or needle-pricking sensations in the feet.
- •Nerve damage can reduce the ability to feel heat or cold, making unnoticed foot injuries dangerous and prone to infection.
- •Keeping blood sugar levels under control, eating a balanced diet, and following medical advice are crucial preventive steps.
- •Diabetic patients should avoid walking barefoot, wear comfortable footwear, and inspect their feet daily for cuts or scratches.
Key Questions Answered
Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is a condition where consistently high blood sugar levels damage nerves over time. This damage prevents nerves from transmitting signals properly, causing symptoms like tingling, burning, numbness, or a needle-pricking feeling in the feet.
In addition to elevated blood sugar, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, and Vitamin B12 deficiencies can also damage nerves and result in pain, burning, or tingling sensations in the feet.
Patients should keep blood sugar levels controlled, thoroughly inspect their soles, toes, and heels daily for cuts or blisters, avoid walking barefoot, and wear comfortable, properly fitted footwear. Medical checks of foot sensation and nerve function should also be done at least once a year.
