Watch for These Diabetes Foot Symptoms

Chronic high blood glucose levels can lead to poor circulation and nerve damage in diabetics. These can result in a number of diabetes foot symptoms. Diabetics should inspect their feet daily and watch for any changes that may need medical attention.

• Wounds that heal slowly (or do not seem to heal at all). Skin that feels warm or hot to the touch might indicate that there is an infection.

• Pus. Again, this could be a sign of infection and may be serious, especially if it's persistant, bloody drainage.

• Redness. Redness surrounding a wound (or red streaks spreading from a wound) indicate that an infection is getting worse.

• Foot 'trauma' such as ingrown toenails, athlete's foot, yellowing toenails, calluses or corns. These could indicate bacterial infections or perhaps recurring foot problems.

• Numbness. Diabetic neuropathy, or nerve damage, is not uncommon. Numbness is a problem because it may prevent you from feeling pain. If you have a wound and don't notice it, it could worsen and become infected before you even realize it's there.

• Pain. Foot pain can have many causes. You may have bruised or sprained your foot; there could be an infection; poor circulation; or perhaps your shoes don't fit properly.

• Swollen feet. This might be caused by something as mild as improperly fitting shoes, but could also be a sign of poor circulation, inflammation, or infection.

In this video, a podiatrist explains foot problems that commonly occur with diabetics:

Regular exercise and a diabetes treatment plan can help to improve circulation, control blood glucose levels, and minimize the risk of additional health problems including diabetes foot symptoms. Following a good diabetes foot care program can also help to alleviate symptoms.