Neuropathy in Feet

Fact #1: There are more than 50 million Americans who either have diabetes or who are susceiptible to having diabetes.

With genetics, poor diet and lack of exercise, more and more Americans are having diabetes. There are 2 kinds of diabetes: Type 1 which is genetic and Type 2 which is preventable. Studies show that even if Diabetes Type 2 is preventable, still millions of Americans get it every year.

Fact #2: The cause of diabetes is the high content of glucose or sugar in the blood.

For Type 2 diabetes, this happens when a person eats a lot of carbohydrates which make the body produce excessive amount of glucose. This is the reason why doctors recommend Americans to have more healthy diet with less carbs and more vegetables.

Fact #3: Neuropathy in feet or nerve damage is the most common complication of diabetes.

Most people who have diabetes develop foot neuropathy or the damage of the nerves in feet. Because of this, a person with diabetes cannot feel pain, cold, hot or sharp object in the feet. This is why a person with diabetes and neuropathy in feet should take care of their feet.

Fact #4: When not managed properly, diabetes and foot neuropathy can lead to amputation of toes, feet or legs.

When a diabetes neglects their feet, they might get wound in their feet without them knowing because the nerve damage don’t give them sensation of pain. The wound will be infected and the excessive glucose will make the infection worse because they eat the germs in the wound. When the infection cannot be controlled, the foot will have to be amputated to prevent the spread of the infection.

Fact #5: Not all diabetics feet get amputated.

If a diabetic takes care of their feet every day, checking for blisters and calluses, heeding their doctor’s instructions and watching their diet, they can prevent amputation of their feet. There are many diabetics who enjoy normal lives without being amputated because they know how to take care of themselves properly.