Definition- What is a diabetic foot?
The diabetic foot is a term used to describe very specific symptoms and signs of disease that occur in the context of a disease with diabetes. These are the consequences of too high blood sugar levels, which cause damage to the blood vessels and nerves. Characteristic for the diabetic foot syndrome are poorly healing injuries on the foot, which easily develop into chronic wounds. To prevent this, regular check-ups by the doctor are necessary. In addition to wound care on the foot, blood glucose control is the most important component of the therapy.
Causes
The cause of diabetic foot is a combination of the complications of diabetes. Diabetic foot syndrome can occur particularly in the case of poorly adjusted blood sugar levels and other risk factors for poor wound healing such as smoking or obesity. After 5-10 years with too high blood sugar levels, clear damage to the blood-supplying vessels in the legs becomes apparent, so that the feet are no longer well supplied with blood.
In addition, the accumulating sugar in the blood damages the nerves so that the sensation in the foot decreases. As a result, the patient no longer perceives the injuries sufficiently and in some cases does not even notice that there is a wound on the foot. This can also occur in conjunction with peripheral arterial occlusive disease, a disease in which calcification causes the arteries in the legs to close up and prevent blood flow to the feet. If this arterial disease and diabetes with foot syndrome occur together, the prospects for the course of the disease in the foot are very poor.
Risk factors
There are certain risk factors that can promote the development of a diabetic foot and worsen its course. Basically, the problem consists of a loss of sensitivity in the foot due to damage to the nerves and reduced blood circulation. All factors that reduce blood circulation, such as smoking, overweight, a lipid metabolism disorder or lack of exercise, thus increase the incidence of a diabetic foot. Inadequate foot hygiene and care can also lead to wounds. Poorly fitting shoes also promote pressure points and reduced blood circulation in the foot.
