One of the most dangerous effects of diabetes is on the ability of the foot to detect various types of trauma. Some of the nerves in the feet are responsible for producing pain in response to injury. This is an extremely important sensation. When the nerves stop working well, the afflicted individual may feel some things well, but might not be alerted to other things, like a scrape, blister, or some other minor trauma to the skin. When combined with a diabetic’s reduced ability to fight bacteria, it is understandable that diabetics suffer from a higher incidence of serious, limb-threatening infections.
Read MoreDiabetes appears to be nearing epidemic proportions. Because this particular disease produces a constellation of problems, there will be a tremendous strain on our health care system in the years to come. Of course, these financial expenditures are secondary to the suffering and disability that will result.
Read MoreHave you ever been burned by a hot pan? Most of us have, but can you imagine having that feeling from your whole foot, persisting, without let-up? That is what some diabetics have to endure. It’s called diabetic neuropathy, and many individuals with diabetes have a greatly reduced quality of lifebecause they suffer from this problem. It all stems from the imbalance in glucose metabolism that is seen with this disease.
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