PROCEDURES Diabetic foot

Poorly controlled diabetes can cause nerve damage and poor circulation, leading to foot ulcers, blisters, pain, and foot infections. Infections can quickly spread from the feet, damaging other organs and becoming life-threatening. Severe foot infections may even lead to amputation.

Most people with diabetes don't develop serious foot complications, but diabetes remains one of the leading causes of amputations.

Diabetic Foot Symptoms

The symptoms of diabetic foot vary from person to person. Your symptoms will generally depend on what you are experiencing at the time. However, symptoms might include:

• loss of feeling
• numbness or tingling
• blisters or other wounds without pain
• skin temperature and colour changes
• wounds
• painful tingling
• stains on your socks

Should an infection develop, you may also experience some of the following symptoms:

• uncontrollable blood sugar
• fever
• chills
• shaking
• redness
• shock

Any person with diabetes who experiences the symptoms of an infection, especially on the feet, should seek emergency treatment as soon as possible.