People with diabetes have a higher risk for foot problems due to two complications related to the disease: neuropathy and poor circulation. High glucose levels can damage nerves in your feet, limiting your ability to feel pain, cold and heat. They can also cause blood vessels to narrow and harden, impacting healthy blood flow in your feet. A lack of feeling can allow an injury to go unnoticed and poor circulation can cause it to become a non-healing wound. Minor problems in someone else (ingrown toenail, blister or fungal infection) could become major issues for someone with diabetes if you are not treating them aggressively.
In addition to making self-care practices part of your daily routine, it is also essential to be in regular contact with our office. This way we are able to be proactive and quickly treat any problems or injuries that arise before they become serious complications. If you are in need of diabetic foot care, contact Mark Gasparini, D.P.M. in Massapequa, NY at (516) 804-9038.