Several factors contribute to the development of diabetic foot complications, primarily stemming from uncontrolled diabetes. The main causes are:
Nerve Damage (Neuropathy): High blood sugar levels can damage nerves in the feet, leading to diabetic neuropathy. This condition reduces sensation, making it difficult to feel injuries or infections. Minor cuts or blisters can worsen without notice, leading to ulcers and infections.
Poor Circulation (Peripheral Arterial Disease): Diabetes can lead to the narrowing of blood vessels, restricting blood flow to the feet. This decreases the amount of oxygen and nutrients the tissues in the feet receive, hindering the body’s ability to heal wounds or fight off infections.
Weakened Immune System: People with diabetes often have a weakened immune system, making them more susceptible to infections. Even minor cuts or blisters can become infected quickly, which can be harder to treat due to reduced blood flow.
Foot Deformities: Chronic high blood sugar levels can affect the structure of the feet, leading to deformities such as Charcot foot, where the bones become weakened and prone to fractures or dislocations.
Dry Skin: Diabetes can lead to reduced sweating, causing the skin on the feet to become dry and cracked. This can make the skin more prone to breaks, leading to infection.
Improper Footwear: Wearing shoes that do not fit properly, combined with the loss of sensation from neuropathy, can lead to blisters, pressure sores, and other injuries that are hard to notice and heal in people with diabetes.
High Blood Sugar: Consistently high blood sugar levels can weaken the immune system, impair circulation, and increase the risk of infections, all of which contribute to diabetic foot complications.