High blood sugar: Untreated diabetic foot ulcers can lead to amputations; beware of the signs

Diabetes is a chronic condition that either occurs when the pancreas is unable to produce enough insulin or when the body is unable to effectively utilize the insulin it produces. Either way there is a chance of increased blood sugar levels, which can lead to severe complications, if not attended to immediately.

What's more worrying is that diabetes can affect any part of the body, including your feet. Both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes can lead to damaged blood vessels, which can then take a toll on your legs and feet. While early diagnosis and treatment is the key to managing this condition, if left untreated and unhealed, it can even lead to amputations, says Diabetes UK.

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There are many ways diabetes can affect your feet and legs.

Diabetic neuropathy is a type of nerve damage that can occur in people with diabetes. In diabetic neuropathy, uncontrolled diabetes can affect and damage your nerves, whereas peripheral vascular disease also affects the flow of blood, leading to several symptoms that arise in the feet itself. According to the Mayo Clinic, diabetic neuropathy most often damages nerves in the legs and feet, which is why symptoms include pain and numbness in the legs, feet and hands.

Another diabetes-related foot problem is foot ulcers. A diabetic foot ulcer is an open wound that is prevalent in approximately 15 percent of patients with diabetes. It is primarily found on the bottom of the foot. While in mild cases, foot ulcers can cause the skin to wear off, in severe cases, it can lead to amputation.

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According to Diabetes UK, foot ulcers are characterized by a patch of broken down skin usually on the lower leg or foot. The most concerning sign includes discharge from your foot, which might even leak through your socks and stain it.

Watch out for any blisters, unusual swelling, irritation, redness, bluish marks and strange odours from one or both feet. You might also want to look for any swelling in your foot.

According to the experts at Diabetes UK, less severe foot ulcers can either heal with treatment or it may result in amputation, given it is left untreated.

Both ulcers and infections in the foot can cause diabetes related amputations, however, it is more prevalent in people with foot ulcers.

The charity goes as far as to say that diabetic foot ulcers can precede more than 80% of “amputations”.

“You should contact one of your diabetes care teams the same day. If your GP or podiatry clinic is closed, contact the Out of Hours service," advises the UK National Health Services.

"Tell them you have diabetes and that your foot ulcer has changed.”

The Diabetes UK recommends people with diabetes to beware of any sign of foot infections of ulcers.

“It is also crucial that people with diabetes know how important it is to seek medical attention if they spot any signs of foot problems," it says

“A matter of hours can make the difference between losing a foot, and keeping a foot.”

The charity advises people to wash their feet regularly with lukewarm water and soap. It is important to dry them well, especially between the toes. The skin should be moisturized properly.

In addition, one can avoid damage to their feet by NOT walking barefoot, by wearing the right size footwear and keeping the feet in good condition.