Why Diabetics Should Worry About Sweaty Feet?

In my research on perspiration I came across some startling statistics about diabetes and foot ulcers; a common affliction for people with sweaty feet. To do my part about spreading the word on diabetic foot health, I decided to summarize my findings.

Please note that I am not a physician or podiatrist and that the following information is from my personal research.

According to the International Diabetes Federation?s position statement on ?the diabetic foot?:

?Every 30 seconds a leg is lost to diabetes somewhere in the world

Extensive epidemiological surveys have indicated that between 40% and 70% of all lower extremity amputations are related to diabetes. This means that every 30 seconds a lower limb is lost to diabetes. The vast majority (85%) of all diabetes-related amputations are preceded by foot ulcers.?

According to an article by the Canadian Diabetes Association entitled ?Complications: Footcare & The Trouble with Ulcers,? ?14-24% of those persons with diabetes and foot ulcers will require amputation.?

Foot ulcers are a break in the skin of the foot, whether it is caused by a small pebble in the shoe, friction or another cause.

Diabetics are particularly susceptible to foot ulcers because many suffer from neuropathy or a loss of feeling. As a result, stepping on a sharp object or excessive friction can often go undetected until a wound or blister is formed.

Athlete?s foot, on the other hand, is a fungal infection that can also cause problems for diabetics. Athlete?s foot causes itching, redness and peeling of the skin. As the skin cracks and peels, germs and bacteria can get into the foot and cause infections.

Many diabetics are slow healers and a wound like an ulcer can be open for a long time thus making them more susceptible to infections. Infections, in turn, can slowly lead to gangrene and then to amputations.

The best way to prevent infections is to prevent ulcers, blisters and fungal infections. The best way to prevent any of these conditions is to:

1. Check your feet regularly and contact your doctor if you notice any swelling or breaks in the skin

2. Check your footwear before you put it on, and look for anything that could damage your feet

3. Keep your feet clean and dry. Minimize the amount of sweat which could spread germs and cause blisters as your socks stick to your feet

4. Never go bare footed

5. Maintain a healthy weight

6. Consult and listen to your doctor

 

About the Author:

For more information on sweat and reducing the problem of sweaty feet, blisters and athlete's foot, please refer to http://sweatreview.blogspot.com

 

Tags: Sweating, Sweating and Diabetes, Sweaty Feet, treat