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Did you know that diabetes is the number one reason people lose their lower limbs (like legs or feet) without an injury? Shocking, right? According to the International Diabetes Federation, someone in the world loses a limb to diabetes every 20 seconds.

Diabetes isn’t just about high blood sugar—it’s a condition that can quietly harm many parts of your body, especially your feet and joints. Problems like Charcot Foot, Peripheral Artery Disease, and Diabetic Neuropathy are more common than you might think.

As we approach World Diabetes Day on November 14th, it’s a great time to talk about how diabetes impacts your orthopedic health (your bones, joints, and muscles) and what you can do to stay healthy.

This year’s theme is “Breaking Barriers, Bridging Gaps,” shining a light on the hidden ways diabetes can affect your overall health. In this blog, we’ll uncover the connection between diabetes and your bones and joints—and why taking care of your whole body is so important. Let’s dive in!

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a condition in which the blood sugar levels are higher than the normal range. There are different types of diabetes.

• Type 1 Diabetes is a condition in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks insulin-producing cells, resulting in a spike in blood sugar levels.
• Type 2 Diabetes happens when the body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn't produce enough, resulting in a spike in blood sugar levels.

Though distinct, both types can lead to complications affecting various body parts, with feet and joints particularly vulnerable.

Understanding Foot Complications in Diabetes

Foot health is a significant concern for people with diabetes due to neuropathy, which dulls the sensation in the feet. Even a minor cut or blister can go unnoticed without proper sensation, potentially developing into a severe infection.

Diabetes also hinders blood flow, which can slow healing and make infections more likely. To bridge the gap in foot health, diabetes management should include regular foot checks, proper footwear, and prompt attention to any signs of damage. Early intervention can prevent minor issues from escalating, helping individuals maintain mobility and quality of life.

Symptoms of Diabetes Foot

Common symptoms linked with Diabetic foot infections often go unnoticed but carry significant risks if ignored. Key indicators include:

• Numbness or tingling in your feet
• Burning sensations or pain, even at rest
• Sores or wounds that don’t heal properly
• Swelling in the feet or ankles
• Color or temperature changes in your feet
• Ingrown toenails or fungal infections
• Changes in foot shape or structure

Common Diabetic related Foot Conditions include:

1. Diabetic Neuropathy:
This condition leads to nerve damage in the feet, causing loss of sensation and making it hard to detect injuries or infections.
2. Foot Ulcers:
Open sores or wounds that are slow to heal can develop on the feet, increasing the risk of serious infections.
3. Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD):
Reduced blood flow to the feet leads to pain, especially during walking, and can impair healing, making it harder to recover from even minor foot injuries.
4. Charcot Foot:
Weakening of foot bones can cause fractures, deformities, and changes in foot shape, often without the person noticing due to neuropathy.
5. Fungal Infections:
Conditions like athlete’s foot are more common among people with diabetes, causing itching, redness, and cracked skin.
6. Calluses and Corns:
High-pressure areas under the feet can lead to thickened skin, which, if not cared for, may turn into ulcers.
7. Bunions:
A painful bump on the side of the big toe joint can cause discomfort and make wearing shoes difficult.
8. Hammertoes:
Deformities that cause toes to curl or bend downward, leading to pain and difficulty finding comfortable footwear.
9. Ingrown Toenails:
When the edges of a toenail grow into the surrounding skin, it can lead to pain, swelling, and possible infection.
10. Dry, Cracked Skin:
Left untreated, it can lead to open sores and infections, making the skin less resilient.

‘A small cut or blister might seem insignificant, but for people with diabetes, even tiny injuries like bruises, unnoticed swelling, or hardened skin can quickly become serious, leading to major complications or even amputation if left untreated," says Dr. Pradeep Moonot, top foot and ankle surgeon in Mumbai.

Prevention Strategies for Diabetes-related Foot Problems:

Foot and joint complications from diabetes can be minimized by following a few essential steps. Here are some tips to keep your feet and joints healthy:

• Check your feet daily to catch any minor cuts, blisters, or swelling before they worsen.
• Regularly incorporate low-impact exercise routines to improve circulation and joint strength.
• Maintain reasonable blood sugar control to help prevent nerve and blood vessel damage.
• Keep your feet clean and moisturized to prevent dry, cracked skin and to avoid infections.
• Wear supportive, well-fitting shoes to reduce pressure on your feet and avoid injuries.
• Avoid going barefoot to protect your feet from cuts and injuries.
• Trim your toenails carefully to avoid ingrown nails that can lead to infection.

Conclusion:

While anyone can develop common foot issues like calluses, fungal infections, or even structural problems, managing these complications is especially critical for those with diabetes. Diabetes not only reduces blood flow to the extremities, but it also impairs sensation due to nerve damage, meaning even minor injuries can quickly progress to severe infections. Recognizing and treating these issues early is essential in maintaining foot health and preventing complications.

Moving Forward Together:

World Diabetes Day 2024 invites us to "Break Barriers, Bridge Gaps," recognizing that effective diabetes management goes beyond just blood sugar control. Diabetes brings hidden risks, particularly for the feet. Complications like neuropathy, peripheral artery disease, and infections increase the likelihood of serious foot issues. Reminding us that proactive care is essential.

This World Diabetes Day, let's prioritize foot and joint health. Living with diabetes brings unique challenges to the body, especially to the feet and ankles, where unnoticed injuries can quickly become serious. That's why Dr. Pradeep Moonot, a trusted foot and ankle specialist in Mumbai, and his team at MKFAC are dedicated to helping people with diabetes bridge these gaps in care. We're here to keep you moving comfortably and confidently with tailored treatments, expert advice, and a proactive approach to foot and ankle problems.

Let’s use this day to support and educate each other, ensuring that no one faces diabetes alone.