Health Tips and Wellness Tips

Diabetes and Feet

Diabetes The Foot

by: Nicola Cupples

People with Diabetes are at high risk from various health problems such as:

Heart Disease
Strokes
Eye Disease - Possible Blindness
Nerve Damage - Neuropathy
Amputation of foot or leg
Kidney Problems
Gum Disease
Loss of teeth

 

Diabetes in Pets

It is not only the human kind that can develop diabetes.
Even our beloved pets, no matter how well we care for them,
can develop diabetes.

This is often a scary situation for the pet owner and the
first question that is usually asked of the veterinarian is
-will my pet need to be put to sleep-?

Of course this is a difficult issue and the answer may vary
on the overall age and health of your pet.

Many older pets that are diagnosed with diabetes go on to
live many more happy years, but this takes commitment and
close care of your pet.

Diabetic cats and dogs can live just as long as perfectly
healthy pet if the diabetes is diagnosed and treated
properly by both the veterinarian and the owner.

This takes great commitment from the owner. Pets must be
cared for and watched daily with a high level of care and
patience.

There can be no feeding the cat and forgetting until the
next day. There is no leaving the pet along to go on a
trip. Every day your pet will need medication, fed a proper
diet and his behavior will need to be monitored closely.

This doesnt mean you will have to give up your job and
stay home full time with your pet, but it does mean you
will have to pay more attention to what his behavior is and
know what to do if the situation should change.

It is also more of a financial obligation to have a sick
pet. So it is something that should be discussed in length
with your vet.

Another health problem associated with diabetes involves the feet, as Diabetes is one of the major causes for lower limb amputation in the year 2004.

Amputation is obviously the last resort concerning problems of the feet, but it is surprising how a small cut or abrasion can lead to such dramatic results in diabetic patients.

Why is the Foot at Risk?

Persistent high blood glucose levels can eventually damage the body's nerves, causing a loss of sensation (neuropathy). Nerve damage can also cause pain in the legs, arms and hands creating problems in people's everyday lives. Your GP or Podiatrist should check your feet on a yearly basis, which should include a sensory exam to check for loss of feeling.

Small cuts or abrasions on the neuropathic foot can go unnoticed if daily foot checks are not performed. The cut can easily become infected, which in turn leads to an infected ulceration and could eventually result in the loss of the lower limb. Therefore the importance of daily foot checks, foot care & Diabetes in general cannot be underestimated.

High Risk Factors Leading to Diabetic Foot Ulcers

A small percentage of diabetic patients develop foot ulcerations, some of which may lead on to amputation. The foot is at a higher risk of ulceration if the individual suffers from conditions such as vascular disease or neuropathy. However there are many other factors that can increase risk of ulcers such as: -
Cold feet or absent foot pulses
History of Foot Problems
Foot Deformities
Limited mobility
Poor circulation
Inappropriate shoes
Uncontrolled blood sugar levels

A painless abrasion or corn can steadily progress to a distressing foot ulcer, and if left untreated skin deterioration may occur.



About The Author


Written by Nicola Cupples. Find more articles like this one at www.foothealthcare.com. Your online guide to foot health and well being.

info@foothealthcare.com


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