What are diabetic feet?

People with diabetes often have problems with their feet. Diabetic feet develop sores, deformities and infections more easily.

If not treated quickly, a diabetic foot ulcer or blister can get infected. Sometimes a surgeon must amputate (remove) a toe, foot or part of the leg to prevent the spread of infection.

Who might have problems with diabetic feet?

Foot problems often occur in people with diabetes, especially among those who have:

• Nerve damage or poor blood flow in the feet.
• Trouble managing blood glucose levels over long periods, including frequent episodes of hyperglycemia (blood sugar that’s too high).
• Weight problems.
• Had diabetes for a long time.
• High blood pressure or high cholesterol.

How common is diabetic foot?

The chance that a person with diabetes will develop diabetic foot sometime in his or her life is about 15%.

What causes diabetic feet?

Long-term high blood sugar can cause a type of nerve damage called diabetic neuropathy. Diabetic neuropathy can occur throughout the body, but most often in the legs and feet.

SYMPTOMS AND CAUSES

What causes diabetic feet?

Long-term high blood sugar can cause a type of nerve damage called diabetic neuropathy. Diabetic neuropathy can occur throughout the body, but most often in the legs and feet.

The condition might make you lose feeling in your feet. If your feet are numb, you might not notice a blister, cut or sore. You might not even feel a pebble in your sock that is cutting your foot, for example. Wounds that go unnoticed and untreated can become infected.

Diabetes can also affect blood flow to your legs and feet. People with diabetes are more likely to develop peripheral artery disease (PAD). This condition causes arteries to become narrowed or blocked. Reduced blood flow (poor circulation) can make it difficult for a diabetic foot ulcer or infection to heal.