Diabetes is a debilitating disease that causes severe damage to nerves, blood vessels and arteries throughout the body. Because it disturbs and damages the vascular system, diabetes can severely harm the eyes, kidneys and legs. In men, diabetes can cause erectile dysfunction or the inability to achieve an erection. Erectile dysfunction in diabetics is caused by the inability of damaged blood vessels and nerves to get adequate blood flow to the penis. People with diabetes should also pay very close attention to the potential harm it can cause their feet. Diabetes can lead to amputations of the toes and many other severe foot ailments.

Here are a few ways in which diabetes can harm feet:

Neuropathy
Diabetes can damage nerves and lessen feeling in the legs and feet. If a diabetic gets a foot injury, cut or sprain they may not feel it so they’ll continue to walk on the injured foot which can work to exacerbate even a minor injury. An untreated foot injury can easily lead to infection.

Peripheral Vascular Disease
Diabetes can reduce blood flow to the feet making it much more difficult for a sore or infection to heal properly. Peripheral vascular disease is even worse in diabetics that smoke.

Skin Problems
Diabetes can stop the production of important oils and moisture in the foot. This can lead to dry, cracked feet. Diabetics should thoroughly dry their feet after taking a shower and then apply some lotion to keep their feet moist.

Foot Ulcers
A diabetic’s feet take a lot longer to heal, so small cuts, sores or blisters on the feet can get worse over time or even become chronic problems.

Calluses
Calluses build up faster on the feet of people with diabetes. This is because there are high-pressure areas under the foot. Diabetics with too many calluses may have to get therapeutic shoes.

Foot Care Tips for Diabetics
1. Cut your toenails once a week. Be sure not to cut them too short, file the edges with an emery board.
2. Always make sure you’re at least wearing some slippers when you go outside of the house to avoid any unnecessary cuts or injuries. Diabetics should also consider wearing slippers while walking through the house as well. When purchasing your everyday shoes, make sure you choose something with enough padding so you don’t get calluses or blisters.
3. Wear shoes that fit well. Constant rubbing or blisters on the feet can lead to severe feet problems down the road.
4. Check your feet every day for sores, blisters, redness, calluses or anything that seems abnormal.
5. Stop smoking. If you smoke, this can make blood flow and nerve damage much worse and possibly lead to an amputation.
6. See your podiatrist (foot doctor) at least once every two to three months to get a professional assessment of your foot health.
7. Protect your feet from heat and cold. Wear shoes at the beach or on hot pavement. Wear socks at night if your feet get cold.