Q: How does Diabetes affect my feet?

A: Diabetes can be a vicious disease if not controlled. If it is not controlled, there are many potential effects it can have on the foot. Poor circulation into the feet can make it hard to heal from injuries or infections. Loss of sensation in the feet can jeopardize your ability to feel pain, and pain is sometimes necessary to alert you to an injury. Sweat glands in the skin can cease to function well, leading to very dry skin. Muscles can cease to function properly, leading to deformities to the feet. The calf muscles/Achilles tendons can become tight, leading to increased pressure on the ball of the foot. These various conditions can lead to the biggest problems- foot ulcers and possible amputation.