Diabetes tingling toes should not be ignored. Diabetes affects feet in many ways. Diabetes tingling toes is normally a symptom of diabetic neuropathy, or diabetic nerve damage. Diabetics may also experience numbness, burning, pain, and coldness as the condition progresses. This diabetic nerve damage will, and often does, result in amputation if blood sugar levels are not controlled and proper foot care is not performed. Early diagnosis is essential.
Diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage) can cause a number of different conditions. Nerves throughout your body can be affected over time. Stomach problems, for example, may manifest and you may have to take medications to help control your digestive processes. Nerves in you bladder may also be affective, leaving you unable to realize when your bladder is full. Sexual dysfunction may also occur.
Diabetes tingling toes or diabetes nerve damage is sometimes reversible with the proper lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet and regular exercise. Therefore, it is essential to visit the doctor if your toes tingle often or for prolonged periods of time. Underestimating this condition has caused many people to lose their limbs.
Diabetic Foot Care
According to FootHealthFacts.org, in diabetes even a small cut can produce serious consequences. This is particularly true in cases of diabetic nerve damage, because it takes away the feeling in your feet. This leaves you at risk of having sores that you don’t even know are there. These sores could lead to a serious infection if they are not found and treated promptly. Diabetes can also reduce the blood flow to your feet, so infections do not heal as well or as quickly. Therefore, it is important for any type-2 diabetic to treat their feet daily by following these guidelines:
- Inspect your feet daily, checking for cuts, blisters, redness, swelling, or nail problems. It is recommended that you use a magnifying hand mirror to look at the bottom of your feet. You should also have someone else check them if you do not see well or have trouble reaching your feet.
- Wash your feet in lukewarm water. Check the temperature with your hands to ensure the water is not too hot in order to avoid burns. Clean your feet thoroughly every day. When washing your feet, be gentle by washing them with a soft washcloth or sponge.
- Dry your feet by blotting and patting them. Dry the area between your toes thoroughly and carefully.
- Moisturize your feet, but not between your toes. Moisturizing between your toes encourages fungal infections. It is important to use a deep moisturizer daily to keep your skin from itching or cracking.
- Cut your nails carefully, cutting them straight across and filing down the edges. Never cut corns and calluses yourself. Visit your doctor for appropriate treatment.
- Always wear clean, dry socks and change them daily. Avoid elastic bands because they may reduce circulation. Also don’t wear thick and bulky socks. Also, wear socks to bed if it gets cold at night. Don’t ever use a heating pad or a hot water bottle on your feet.
- Never walk barefoot, not even inside your house. Always wear shoes or slipper because you could step on something and get scratched or cut.
