People with diabetes are being urged not “ignore” potential problems with their feet amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Diabetes UK is reminding people to continue seeking medical help should they notice anything different about their feet.
Over time, poorly managed diabetes can cause nerve damage, called diabetic neuropathy. This is because consistently high blood sugar levels can affect how the blood flows to the feet and legs.
Symptoms, such as tingling sensations, loss of feeling, a dull ache, wounds or sores that don’t heal and cramp in the calves when resting or walking can all be signs that there may be a problem and medical assistance should be sought.
A small cut or blister may also lead to an ulcer or infection, which if left untreated could lead to limb amputation.
People with diabetes should check their feet on a daily basis to see if any notable changes have occurred, manage blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure levels as well as they can and be as healthy as they possibly can.
Dan Howarth, Head of Care at Diabetes UK, said: “We know that people with diabetes may feel uneasy about seeking medical help for problems with their feet while the UK continues to deal with the coronavirus pandemic, but foot problems can deteriorate very quickly, and ignoring problems with your feet can have devastating consequences.
“People with diabetes should seek medical help quickly if they notice anything unusual.”
