15% of people with diabetes eventually develop one ulcer during their life in the foot. Of these, in turn half suffer some claim, and is less, of a finger, or greater, below the knee. This occurs because of what is known as diabetic foot, a condition that arises from the ten years since his debut in diabetes patients, said Rocio Merino, who is a specialist in Angiology and Vascular Surgery Hospital, podiatrists and coordinator of the VI National Meeting of the Diabetic Foot Section which was held at the College of Physicians of Málaga.

After ten years of the disease, if not done a good metabolic control, diabetes causes nerve damage (neuropathy) that causes loss of sensation in the feet to both pain and heat. Deformities usually occur first, then calluses and being a high-pressure zone that ends up producing wound callus. “Because he does not realize that you have this injury because it has that feeling becomes infected and this infection can lead to deep layers and is irreversible,” tells the expert. In addition, there may be vascular, ie, blockage of arteries in the leg. Lack of irrigation also affects the non-healing wounds.

The risk of amputation of a patient older than 65 years with diabetes is twelve times greater than that of a patient of the same age without diabetes. The problem is more serious may have an easy and simple solution, following a few basic tips. How to avoid and prevent “There is no awareness among the patients themselves,” Rocio Merino determined. And in many cases, such as diabetes is a silent disease that does not hurt, not given the necessary attention and adequate control is essential to prevent this and other consequences. Specifically, to avoid amputation is necessary to inform the patients in this condition that can occur within ten years and provide them with a series of recommendations. As these patients also have vision problems due to diabetes a “trick” is used to detect light socks spotting any possible injuries. Never go barefoot or walk without socks and shoes are wide and comfortable to use that do not squeeze the foot. The monitoring and exploration of these every day in search of lesions (calluses, nails), wash your feet daily and moisturize after bathing are simple tips and guidelines should incorporate into their daily lives and ultimately prevent amputation. It is true that progress has been made ​​in recent years, said Merino, and major amputations decreased by increasing the minors. More than a hundred medical professionals, endocrinologists, nurses, podiatrists, rehabilitation, etc.., have gathered in the sixth annual meeting of the Diabetic Foot of the Spanish Society of Angiology and Vascular Surgery. Have been addressed since the damages bone Diabetic Foot units, the role of the rehabilitation and presented the new consensus on the diabetic foot (sharing a protocol), among other content.