10:00 am
Friday 08 April 2022
agencies
Many people suffer from diabetes without realizing it, since the early symptoms of the condition often go unnoticed.
Nevertheless, experts recommend taking a close look at the feet every day to quickly discover any changes.
Experts point out that monitoring the feet may often be a source of the first warning signs of the disease, if a person is not controlling their sugar levels properly.
And if you notice anything that looks or feels different, it is always a good idea to get it checked out by a GP.
There are three signs to watch out for that may mean that there is nerve damage. These signs are redness, warmth and swelling, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.
The damage comes from uncontrolled high blood sugar levels for a long time. This can cause a condition called Charcot’s foot, which results in massive bumps.
It can reduce the ability to feel heat and pain, which means that cuts and sores go unnoticed.
This makes the feet vulnerable to infection, as diabetes reduces blood flow to the extremities and takes longer to heal.
Diabetics should pay attention to cuts, red spots, swelling or fluid-filled blisters and ingrown nails, because all of this can lead to infection.
When you have diabetes, your body can struggle to produce enough insulin or the insulin is ineffective.
With type 1 diabetes, a person’s pancreas does not produce insulin. In type 2, the body’s cells become insulin resistant, so more insulin is needed to keep blood sugar levels within the normal range.
But if you don’t keep your blood sugar under control, it can be dangerous and lead to sensory problems.