Diabetes can cause damage inside and outside the body if it is undiagnosed or left uncontrolled for too long. It is important to be aware of early signs and symptoms that could be an indication of diabetes.
Before diabetes is diagnosed and blood sugar is not yet well controlled, a person may start to develop peripheral neuropathy in their legs and feet. Peripheral neuropathy is a complication of diabetes affecting the nerves in the extremities and can cause a sensation of pins and needles, numbness, weakness, restless legs or even severe pain.
Another complication of diabetes is damage to the small blood vessels and nerves of the legs and feet. This can result in skin ulcers and wounds. Our skin is a waterproof barrier protecting us from infection and other issues, if there is a breach of this barrier, the risk of infection is higher..
Diabetes can compromise the immune system which can increase risk of infection. Skin infections can be caused by bacteria, fungi or viruses.
Common foot infections
Skin
Bacterial infection: erythrasma is an infection occurring in between the toes which looks red and irritated
Fungal infection: tinea pedis can appear as peeling skin in between the toes or on the bottoms of the feet that may be itchy or cause burning.
Viral infection: verruca pedis or a plantar wart is caused by the human papilloma virus and can be singular or clustered.
Toenails
Nail infections are frequently caused by a fungus of the nail known as onychomycosis and may cause the nail plate to thicken or become discoloured.
Skin conditions associated with diabetes
According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association (www.aad.org), there are a few skin conditions of the lower legs and feet that may appear even before diabetes is diagnosed, when blood sugar is not yet well controlled.
- Shin Spots also known as diabetic dermopathy occurs on the shins as a brownish, sunken or depressed line
- Eruptive xanthomatosis commonly occurs at the backs of knees but can occur anywhere and presents as tender and itchy pimple-like bumps that later become yellow.
- Anhidrosis or very dry and itchy skin is common in people who have high blood sugar.
- Necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum is a rare condition caused by collagen degeneration in the skin on the lower legs and appears as raised, shiny, red-brown patches.
If diabetes goes undiagnosed and blood sugar is left for too long, the complications discussed can happen quickly. A family doctor or nurse practitioner can confirm or rule out diabetes if anything appears or feels out of the ordinary. It would also be beneficial to have an assessment of your feet by a BioPed lower limb clinician. Routine and consistent foot care is an important step to keep feet healthy and free of complications. At BioPed proper footwear can be recommended and custom foot orthotics can be manufactured to cushion, support and protect feet from injury and pressure.
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