Diabetes is a metabolic disorder in which the body either cannot produce insulin or cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. Two million Canadians have diabetes and 700,000 have it but don’t know it. Foot and lower leg complications account for the most hospital admissions in people with diabetes.
When blood sugar levels are not well controlled, damage can result to the nerve function causing gradual loss of feeling in the limbs. Loss of the feeling in the feet is called neuropathy. The patient may complain of pain, burning, and tingling in the feet. Because people with diabetes loose the feeling in their feet, they are unable to detect when an injury occurs. A small seemingly innocent cut, if left untreated can cause an infection, and can lead to life threatening situations.
Foot and leg problems are the most common reason for hospitalization in people with diabetes. Regular foot care is key in the prevention of complications associated with diabetes. The foot care nurses play an important role assessing people who may be at risk.
While reasonable efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of the information provided, it is provided for information purposes only. Neither the MAFCN not its members are responsible or liable for any claim or personal injury, which may occur as a result of using this information. Any reliance on the information is solely at the users own risk. It is not the intention of the MAFCN or its member’s to provide specific medical advice but rather to provide users with information to better understand their foot problems. It you have a foot problem please contact a medical professional.
