Awareness on proper footwear for diabetics lacking, say doctors

While the burden of diabetes continues to be very high in the state – with Tamil Nadu leading the country in the number of cases of diabetes – awareness on the link between diabetes and the feet continues to be very poor in the state, doctors say. Stating that the concept of a footwear for diabetics continues to be taken lightly, endocrinologist Dr N Thomas, said, “A diabetic tends to develop boils on his feet due to the friction and may not realise it due to the lack of sensation in his feet. Only when it leads to an infection, will he approach the doctor for the same.” 

“Jacob J had developed sores on his right foot and they were simply not healing. It was terrible before he came to the hospital for treatment. It was too late, and his foot had to be amputated,” added the doctor. 

Explaining the link between the disease and the feet, he added, “If you have diabetes and your blood sugar levels are too high, it can damage your nerves or blood vessels. This can eventually cause the patient to lose feeling in his feet, due to which cuts, blisters and sores will not be felt. Any injury to the foot can cause ulcers and infections sand in severe cases, it may even lead to amputation. It is harder for your foot to heal if you do get a sore or infection.” 

When individuals suffering from diabetes are unable to feel pain, it causes injuries to go undetected for prolonged periods, resulting in minor injuries and alterations. One of the main causes of non-traumatic amputation in diabetics is due to foot infections, he stated. 

Diabetic shoes are therefore prescribed as they help prevent the skin from breaking down due to the disease. “It provides support to the feet as any damage to a diabetic’s foot can result in him being at a risk of losing it in order to keep the rest of his body safe. However, despite the seriousness, many continue to remain unaware of the security they need regarding their feet or the problems that can arise as a result of diabetes,” said Dr K Murugan, a diabetologist.  

Stating that outside of the pancreas, a diabetic’s feet are the most sensitive part of the body, he added, “Even if you take your insulin shot and other medications as prescribed, managing your feet well is extremely important.”