Diabetes occurs when you’re unable to maintain proper blood glucose (sugar) levels, leading to an excess of sugar in your blood. High blood sugar can be extremely damaging to your body, with effects including both blood vessel and nerve damage.
Blood vessel damage
High blood sugar can cause atherosclerosis, in which fatty deposits build up on blood vessel walls. This effectively shrinks blood vessels, leaving less room for blood to travel to your extremities. Blood delivery is vitally important for all parts of the body because your blood is rich in nutrients and oxygen. Your body can’t heal wounds properly when deprived of these things, and tissue death can occur.
Nerve damage
High blood sugar can also damage your nerves, often affecting the foot nerves first. Diabetic nerve damage, or peripheral neuropathy, may cause symptoms such as tingling, burning, and numbness in the feet. Nerve damage can also weaken muscles in the feet, leading to problems like stumbling and falling. Numbness can be a particularly serious issue for people with diabetic neuropathy. If you can’t feel your feet, you can miss injuries. For example, a cut on the bottom of your foot can rapidly worsen if you don’t see it and seek treatment. Poor circulation worsens the issue because your body can’t heal normally. Diabetes also increases your risk of bunions, ingrown toenails, foot fungus, and other foot issues, so diabetic foot care is vital.
