A doctor will always advise a person that has recently been diagnosed with diabetes to keep a careful eye on the condition of their feet. They often do this because the condition of the feet is the most noticeable indication that diabetes complications are setting in and it gives the person a straight forward way to get more involved with their diabetes treatment and care. This article will describe why the feet are important in understanding diabetes and various conditions, like numbness, that may affect the feet as a consequence of diabetes.
Diabetes is a disease that affects the pancreas. It causes the beta cells of the islet cells in the pancreas to be destroyed or malfunction. The primary responsibility of these cells is to produce insulin which is used to regulate the glucose level in the bloodstream. Without insulin the body cannot regulate the glucose and this poses serious consequences to the health if untreated. Commonly, insulin is injected to take over this process and the person has to manually manage the role of blood sugar regulation that most people take for granted.
It is believed that consistently high levels of sugar in the blood lead to a number of complications. In the case of feet, the first complication is that the circulation of blood is impeded. It is thought that high sugar levels in the blood affect the lining of blood vessels making them rough. This allows fatty deposits to stick to the lining and leads to arteriosclerosis. It is harder to push blood round the body and it is generally the outermost parts of the body that suffer the most.
This means the feet are liable to pick up cuts and bruises and take longer to heal from these problems.
Over time, continued poor circulation begins to affect the capillaries or small blood vessels that are responsible for providing blood to the nervous system and extremities of the body. Eventually the poor blood supply will cause the nervous system to malfunction. This is another complication of diabetes and is called diabetic neuropathy.
Diabetic neuropathy is broken down into 4 types, the one that concerns feet is called peripheral neuropathy. The person with peripheral neuropathy will lose sensation in their feet. This might take the form of pin and needles or a numbness. Having poor sensitivity in the feet that are already liable to infections, cuts and bruise makes the feet especially vulnerable.
Thus doctors advise on special care for feet and careful monitoring of their condition. If feet become numb for any time it is recommended to see your doctor. People with diabetes also get their feet checked annually or bi-annually where the doctor will check the sensitivity in their feet. This can also determine if neuropathy in the feet is worsening by comparison to the previous year and thus give an overall indication on how diabetes is affecting the body.
By: Adrian Whittle
Archive for March, 2010
Diabetes And Numbness In Feet
March 30th, 2010Diabetes Types – What You Should Know About the Three Diabetes Types
March 29th, 2010
Diabetes cases were surprisingly doubled within the past ten years. Some are not aware that they are already victims of this traitor disease. There are three diabetes types namely type 1 (known as “childhood”, “juvenile” or “insulin-dependent” Diabetes), type 2 (formerly called non-insulin dependent diabetes), and gestational diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease as a result of the destruction of insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. Cases are common among children and early adults. Symptoms may include excessive thirst and hunger and frequent urination, which will later result into weight loss and extreme fatigue. This condition can be considered as life threatening if not diagnosed in an early time. Individuals suffering from this, need adequate insulin supply commonly delivered thru injection. Modified diet and healthy life style would also help.
Of the three diabetes types, type 2 diabetes marks the highest in the list with roughly 90 percent of the cases. Obesity is considered as the main cause of the cases. Some factors that constitute to this are old age, family history, physical environment, and previous history of gestational diabetes. In this case, the human body refuses to use the insulin that is produced by the pancreas. Insulin is a natural enzyme, which regulate blood sugar. Symptoms include unusual thirst, frequent urination, weight loss, vision impairment, infection and slow healing and swelling of wounds. In some cases there are no symptoms that can be observed in the early stage. Strict diet and proper observation should be given to the victim.
The third one is gestational diabetes, which are experienced by pregnant women. Test shows that women having this are producing an abnormal amount of glucose in the blood during pregnancy. The situation will cause growth abnormalities and chemical imbalance to the babies. Victims have high risk of developing type 2 diabetes after pregnancy. Offspring may also ten to develop obesity and type 2 diabetes. Blood test during pregnancy should be taken to have proper medication if symptoms can be discovered.
Diabetes can be dealt with if diagnosed in an early time. There are appropriate medical procedures given knowing the three diabetes types. Awareness and advances in medicine can reduce the risk that is caused by this condition. Since this disease is incurable at this time, strong self-discipline and a strict healthy lifestyle are undoubtedly the temporary remedy one should take.
By: Tessa Watson
