Most people don’t consider a Chicago podiatrist when they think of diabetes, but it is a known fact that diabetes can include many warning signs and problems with many areas of the body. Skin changes, ankle and feet swelling, numbness in the toes and feet, and leg pain are all signs of diabetes and its problems. Others can include foot sores that take a long time to heal, fungal infections of the toenails, calluses and corns that bleed and more.
Diabetes
Bodies need insulin to convert food, such as starch and sugar into energy the body can use. When you have diabetes, insulin is not made in high enough quantities or is not properly used by the body, which can lead to high blood sugar and damage to many areas of the body, such as the heart, eyes or nerves.
While there are certain warning signs, many people have become blind to those signs as they happen frequently, meaning you or someone you know could have the disease and not know it. Because foot complications can easily occur with the disease, it is important to see a foot doctor periodically to ensure that everything is okay.
Reasons To See A Chicago Podiatrist
While diabetes can affect many areas of the body, many foot problems can arise from the disease, making it important to see a foot doctor, among others. You’ll likely have a general practitioner and may also have an eye doctor heart specialist and more, depending on your specific body problems. A foot and ankle specialist can recognize potential problems and provide you with screenings, so you have less worry of amputation of your lower limbs or other common problems.
How You Can Help Yourself
Foot care is essential for those with diabetes, meaning you should inspect your feet each day for any changes such as bruising, sores or cuts. If you notice you have pain in the foot, you may need to change your shoes or socks and avoid specific types of socks with seams.
Proper exercise routines and diets will also be important to lower weight, improve circulation and get the proper nutrients your body needs. Along with diet and exercise, it will be important to wear shoes at all times and have your shoes fitted to your specific foot as feet can grow or change over time.
