Diabetic foot disease arises from the interplay of two major diabetes-related complications:

1. Neuropathy: Nerve damage causes loss of sensation in the feet, leading to unrecognized injuries.
2. Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD): Reduced blood flow to the lower limbs impairs healing and increases the risk of infections.

These conditions, combined with poor glucose control, create a perfect storm for foot problems.

Risk Factors

• Long-standing diabetes
• Uncontrolled blood sugar levels
• Neuropathy
• Peripheral arterial disease
• Smoking
• Obesity
• Poor foot hygiene
• Inappropriate footwear

Common Conditions Associated with Diabetic Foot Disease

1. Diabetic Foot Ulcers:
   • Open sores or wounds, often on the sole or toes, that heal slowly.
   • These are the most common precursors to amputation.
2. Infections:
   • Soft tissue infections, abscesses, or osteomyelitis (bone infection).
3. Charcot Foot:
   • A deformity caused by weakening of the bones, leading to fractures and joint dislocations.
4. Gangrene:
   • Tissue death due to severe infection or inadequate blood flow, often requiring surgical removal.

Symptoms

Diabetic foot disease may initially go unnoticed, especially in the presence of neuropathy. Warning signs include:

• Redness, swelling, or warmth in the foot
• Open sores or blisters that don’t heal
• Black, foul-smelling tissue (indicating gangrene)
• Pain or cramping in the legs while walking (a sign of PAD)
• Changes in the shape or color of the foot

Prevention: Small Steps, Big Impact

1. Maintain Blood Sugar Control:
   • Keeping blood sugar levels in the target range slows the progression of neuropathy and PAD.
2. Daily Foot Care Routine:
   • Inspect feet daily for cuts, blisters, redness, or swelling.
   • Wash feet with warm water and mild soap; dry thoroughly, especially between toes.
   • Apply a moisturizer to prevent dryness but avoid the area between toes.
3. Wear Appropriate Footwear:
   • Choose well-fitting shoes with ample cushioning.
   • Avoid walking barefoot, even indoors.
4. Regular Foot Exams:
   • Visit a healthcare provider or podiatrist regularly for professional foot assessments.
5. Quit Smoking:
   • Smoking reduces blood flow and worsens PAD.
6. Address Minor Injuries Promptly:
   • Treat small cuts or blisters with antiseptic and monitor healing.

Treatment

Medical Management

• Wound Care: Cleaning, debridement, and dressing of ulcers to promote healing.
• Antibiotics: For treating or preventing infections.

Advanced Therapies

• Offloading Devices: Special footwear, braces, or crutches to reduce pressure on ulcers.
• Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT): Enhances wound healing by improving oxygen supply to tissues.

Surgical Options

• Revascularization: Procedures like angioplasty or bypass surgery to restore blood flow.
• Amputation: Performed as a last resort to prevent life-threatening infections from spreading.

Our team of Specialists will be able to help you with the best possible modality of treatment.

Patient Education

Empowering patients with knowledge is the cornerstone of diabetic foot disease prevention. We regularly undertake educational initiatives focused on:

• Proper foot hygiene practices.
• Recognizing early warning signs of foot complications.
• Importance of regular medical follow-ups.

Hope Through Innovations

Emerging technologies and therapies are transforming diabetic foot care:

• Smart Insoles: Monitor pressure points and detect areas at risk of ulceration.
• Artificial Intelligence: AI-driven tools can predict foot complications before they occur.
• Tissue Engineering: Development of bioengineered skin substitutes to treat ulcers.

Conclusion

Diabetic foot disease is a preventable tragedy that underscores the importance of holistic diabetes management. By prioritizing regular foot care, blood sugar control, and timely medical attention, individuals with diabetes can significantly reduce their risk of foot complications