Understanding Diabetic Foot: Vascular Health 101

In today’s world lifestyle diseases are nothing new. Out of the many lifestyle diseases, one common disease is diabetes. It is so major that an increase in diabetes can result in blindness, stroke, kidney failure, etc. diabetics is one disease that can be controlled and prevented by incorporating the right measures into your entire lifestyle.

Diabetic foot is getting very common these days. Increased diabetics can affect the nerves and blood vessels, especially in their legs leading to wounds, blisters, or ulcers.

If you are looking for vascular surgery for diabetic foot in Delhi, we have got you covered.

First, let’s understand diabetics. There are two types- Type 1 and Type 2. 

• Type 1 diabetes is most commonly found in children and also young adults. This occurs when the pancreas stops the release of insulin. This is where people use insulin injections. A proper diet can also help in controlling this.
• Type 2 diabetes can also occur in young people but is most commonly found in people over the age of 40. And like the many reasons to be diabetic, this one is found in people who are overweight. Here, your body will produce insulin but this will not suffice the entire needs of your body. This results in insulin resistance. The symptoms of type 2 gradually increase with time.

Understanding foot ulcer

1. A foot ulcer is very common for people with diabetes. This occurs when the broken patches in the skin, especially the legs, get infected. This is difficult to heal and can result in amputation, sometimes. Difficulty in healing is because of the damage caused to the vessels and nerves due to constantly fluctuating blood sugar and its levels. 
2. Why is it that only people with diabetes have to deal with foot ulcers? As said above, foot ulcers are caused due to wounds or similar patches in the legs. The nerve functioning is very low in them and this reduces the sensation. Hence, even if their legs are in contact with something sharp, they will not feel it. This later gets infected and results in ulcers. Gradually arteries and veins to the feet are narrowed, making way for zero to less blood circulation. 
3. Not all foot ulcers are serious. But if they are, there is no other way than amputation.  Hence, diabetic patients are advised to check their feet once or twice every year. 

How can you take care of your foot

Cleaning and checking your feet daily cannot be ignored. Always check for swelling, redness, or any other signs that look like or indicate an infection. Cleaning your feet includes washing them daily and wiping them, especially in between the toes, using a soft, dry cloth. If you have dry skin, give importance to moisturizing your feet. 

Apart from this, you can always prevent getting hurt. One tip is to avoid walking barefoot and wear shoes that are not too tight and give proper protection to your feet. Always trim your toenails and file the edges of it, if necessary. You must do anything to prevent your feet from getting any sort of cuts and blisters. Remember that a small cut can lead to infection. Even though some infections can be ignored, not all of them are unserious. Serious infections can lead to amputation. Don’t treat it yourself even if you find any of these symptoms. Apart from this make sure you check for heat or any discoloration in your feet and also make sure to take proper appointments for professional care. 

What are some signs that you might be diabetic

Even though this can vary according to individuals, there are a few common signs and symptoms that your body is on its way to being diabetic. This includes being overweight, having higher blood pressure, stress, increase in cholesterol levels, etc. The point is, most of the time, it is our lifestyle and its patterns that lead to diabetes. If we are aware of it, then we can prevent or control it. 

What are some general ways to prevent diabetics

But are there ways to control or prevent diabetes? Well, yes. Many people are successfully able to control it and also prevent it by making major lifestyle changes. This includes mindful eating, moving more, being more active, etc. 

• Being physically active can save you from a lot of lifestyle diseases. Physical activity can help to reduce blood sugar levels, control body weight, boost insulin, etc. You can always engage in various forms of physical activity from heavy workouts to moving your body every 30 minutes by walking, sitting, or standing. The key is to avoid anything that is preventing your body from moving. 
• Mindful eating is another step to prevention. Cutting down sugar, especially processed sugar is your first step to this. If you have consumed it for a long time, then you might find it difficult in the beginning. Cut it for a day, then make it two, and so on. You must include plants, fats, and other sources of fiber in your diet. Foods rich in fiber such as tomatoes, broccoli, whole grains, etc can help you lose excess weight and also will help in lowering blood sugar levels. Eating healthy fat means eating unsaturated fat.  Some sources of good fat include olive oil and nuts. 
• Shedding the unhealthy weight can save you big time. One common symptom and cause of diabetes is overweight. Hence, losing weight can prevent you from getting it.

Conclusion

Diabetes is a widely growing lifestyle disease today. The major reason for this is our fussy lifestyle and this can be prevented with the above steps. All it needs is the dedication. Even if you are diabetic, there is nothing that can stop you and it can be controlled. With numerous treatment options from diabetic foot treatment, to much more, patients get a solution to all of their diabetic problems due to the advancement of technology. All we need to do is our part in controlling it and preventing it.