If it isn't carefully monitored, diabetes may lead to other related problems, like diabetic neuropathy. However, it’s normally treatable with regular doctor visits, diabetic foot care, and a thorough understanding of how the condition works. If you're living with diabetes, use this guide for more details about the condition and how to manage it.

Diabetic Neuropathy

High glucose levels damage the nervous system by weakening the blood vessels and blocking the signals they need to send to the brain. This symptom is known as diabetic neuropathy, and it often causes numbness, sensitivity, or pain in the legs and feet. It may also contribute to urinary incontinence, digestive issues, and sharp decreases in blood pressure.

How It Affects Feet

Although diabetic neuropathy can disrupt the nerves anywhere in the body, the legs and feet are most commonly affected. With this condition, blisters, cuts, ulcers, infections, and other foot problems may have difficulty healing.

The damaged nerves in your feet won’t let wounds heal because they're blocked from sending signals to the brain. They'll either be too numb to alert it or extra-sensitive to pain, pressure, and touch. Without nerve function in the muscles, the feet may become deformed and make it difficult to balance when walking.

How to Manage It

Regulate Your Diabetes

People with diabetes are prone to diabetic neuropathy because their glucose levels are already difficult to manage. Prevent or delay diabetic neuropathy by exercising regularly, staying hydrated, and eating foods with a low glycemic index.

Take Care of Your Feet

Practicing proper foot care will also keep uncomfortable symptoms at bay. A diabetic foot care specialist will help you create a custom treatment plan, which may include wearing cushioned shoes, trimming your toenails, and wearing dry socks. They may also offer custom orthotic shoe inserts, as well as oral and topical medications for wounds that aren't healing.

If you want to prevent or treat diabetic neuropathy, turn to St. Peters Foot & Ankle: Samuel T. Wood-DPM, in Missouri. Dr. Wood has provided effective diabetic foot care for over 20 years and is certified by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery. He welcomes patients within a 35-mile radius of Florissant and St. Peters, creating custom treatment plans that fit their needs and lifestyle. Get more information about his services online, or call (636) 720-0190 to schedule an appointment.