Diabetes is a significant disease that can affect various mechanisms in the body and diabetics are at high risk of developing infectious wounds in the legs. There are many reasons for this: Diabetics suffer from reduced blood flow, neuropathy (neuropathy), and a tendency to develop infections. Diabetics are also at high risk of developing diabetic foot care. Proper prevention and treatment can prevent various aggravations and complications from the disease.
Why is this happening?
Reduced blood flow: Diabetes causes thickening of the blood vessels. As a result, blood flow to the legs is poor. In the event of a cut, injury to the recovery leg is slow and the risk of infection is high.
Nerve damage ( neuropathy ): As a result of nerve damage, there is a decreased sensation in the legs situations of heat, cold, and pain and therefore diabetic patients find it difficult to feel injury and the development of infection.
Infections: When the blood sugar in the body is high, the white blood cells, which fight the infections, do not function properly. As a result, bacteria and other contaminants can infiltrate the body's systems and expose it to various infections.
How to prevent infections?
Infections usually occur when the skin is damaged. Therefore, it is important that patients with diabetes be alert and aware of any changes that occur in the skin: in terms of the shape, texture, color, smell, and feel that may indicate an infection that should be treated immediately.
These are the situations that may increase the risk:
- Cracks resulting from dehydration
- Blisters formed from rubbing
- Cuts and injuries from injury
- Penetrating nails
- Structural changes in the foot
- fungus
- Injury from nail clipping
In order to prevent the infection from becoming worse and worse, you should follow these rules:
- The recommendation is to apply ointment designed for the feet, but avoid applying the ointment between the fingers.
- It is advisable to avoid walking with bare feet as much as possible and to wear comfortable, wide shoes, which give spacious and comfortable fingers. It is recommended to wear new shoes gradually and for short periods of time initially. An ointment designed for the feet can be used to prevent friction and rubbing.
- It is preferable to stock socks and tights, but avoid those woven from synthetic materials, for example, nylon stockings, as well as socks with coarse stitching. It is also essential to change socks daily.
- It is advisable to cut the nails in a straight line that is not close to the skin, so you should avoid cutting the nails.
- To ease the blood flow to your legs, you should avoid crossing your legs while sitting. Recommended walking for diabetics to encourage good blood flow to the legs. You should also keep your feet warm, as the cold shrinks blood vessels.
- It is advisable to wash your feet well daily with mild soap, check the water temperature by hand before entering the water and dry your feet well after washing.
- It is important to check your feet every day in a lighted room and contact your doctor with any suspicion of impaired skin integrity.
