Nerve Damage
Nerve damage, called Diabetic Neuropathy, can cause lack of feeling (pain, heat, cold) in the feet. This is dangerous because a diabetic may not feel a small cut or blister. The sore may get worse or infected because they are unaware that it is even there.
Poor Blood Flow
Poor blood flow is called Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD). In a diabetic person the blood flow to legs and feet is reduced, making it harder for a sore to heal or for an infection to clear up. Diabetics who smoke have even more problems with PVD than non-smokers.
Foot Care
When a person has diabetes it is essential to have their feet checked by a health care provider at least once a year. (The feet should be checked more often if the person is experiencing foot problems.) A health care provider should be contacted if a diabetic notices cuts or breaks in the skin, ingrown nails, or noticeable changes in their feet. The health care provider should be the one to trim any corns or calluses.
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