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Heart Disease
Strokes
Eye Disease - Possible Blindness
Nerve Damage - Neuropathy
Amputation of foot or leg
Kidney Problems
Gum Disease
Loss of teeth
Another health problem associated
with diabetes involves the feet, as Diabetes is one of the major
causes for lower limb amputation in the year 2004.
Amputation is obviously the last
resort concerning problems of the feet, but it is surprising
how a small cut or abrasion can lead to such dramatic results
in diabetic patients.
Why is the Foot at Risk?
Persistent high blood glucose
levels can eventually damage the body's nerves, causing a loss
of sensation (neuropathy). Nerve damage can also cause pain in
the legs, arms and hands creating problems in people's everyday
lives. Your GP or Podiatrist should check your feet on a yearly
basis, which should include a sensory exam to check for loss
of feeling.
Small cuts or abrasions on the
neuropathic foot can go unnoticed if daily foot checks are not
performed. The cut can easily become infected, which in turn
leads to an infected ulceration and could eventually result in
the loss of the lower limb. Therefore the importance of daily
foot checks, foot care & Diabetes in general cannot be underestimated. |
Beauty Secrets of the World
