Why Are Feet The Main Targets For Diabetes Complications? This Is The Explanation

Illustration of bandaged feet (Freepik/rawpixel.com)

JAKARTA - Diabetes is not just a matter of high blood sugar levels. If not managed properly, this disease can cause various serious complications, one of which is on the legs. Many diabetics experience leg problems to amputation.

Here's why the legs are the part of the body that is most prone to complications due to diabetes, as reported by the Mayo Clinic page.

1. Nervous Damage (Diabetik Neuropathy)

One of the most common complications of diabetes is nerve damage, called diabetic neuropathy. When blood sugar levels are high continuously, the nerves in the body can be damaged, especially in the leg and leg area.

As a result, diabetics can lose sensation or taste in the legs. This means that small injuries or abrasions can not be felt, so they are not immediately realized and treated. Untreated wounds can develop into serious infections.

2. Disturbed Blood Flow To Feet

Diabetes can also damage blood vessels, including small blood vessels in the legs. This causes blood flow to the feet to decrease, so that the wound healing process becomes slower. Without enough oxygen and nutrients, the wound becomes more difficult to recover and more easily infected.

3. Dry and Cracked Skin

Neuropathy can also interfere with the work of sweat glands, causing the skin of the feet to become dry, cracked and easily injured. Small wounds due to cracked skin can be an entry point for bacteria that cause infection.

4. Infections are easier to spread

The combination of wounds that are not felt, poor blood flow and impaired immune system make diabetics more difficult to fight infection. If infection is not treated immediately, it can spread to deeper tissue including bones. In severe cases, amputation may be needed to prevent the spread of infection.

Signs Of Feet Problems To Watch Out For

Diabetic perlu memperhatikan setiap perubahan kecil pada kaki, seperti:

- Wounds or strokes that do not heal

- Foot skin black or change color

- Sneering, numbness or pain

- Swelling or reddish feet

- Out of liquid or pus from the wound

If you experience these symptoms, immediately check with the doctor. Don't procrastinate, quick treatment can prevent serious complications.

How To Prevent Foot Complications

To keep your legs healthy, diabetics can do the following steps:

- Check your feet every day, pay attention to whether there are wounds, abrasions, or changes in color.

- Wash your feet every day with warm water and soft soap, then dry them well, especially on the sidelines of your fingers.

- Use a moisturizer to prevent dry skin, but do not apply it between your fingers.

- Cut the ankle carefully and straightly so as not to hurt the skin.

- Use comfortable and suitable footwear, don't be shirtless at home.

- Check your feet to the doctor regularly, at least once a year, or more often if there is a problem.