Effective Prevention Strategies for Diabetic Foot Syndrome

Individuals diagnosed with diabetes are encouraged to regularly monitor their foot health, utilizing tools such as mirrors to inspect the soles of their feet. The diabetic foot syndrome is a multifaceted condition characterized by a series of complex physiological disruptions. This was emphasized by a leading expert during a recent training session hosted by the Saxony-Anhalt Chamber of Pharmacists.

The core issues associated with diabetic foot syndrome stem from three primary complications. First, diabetic polyneuropathy diminishes sensory perception in the feet. Second, diabetic angiopathy disrupts blood circulation, and third, a compromised immune system heightens the risk of infections. As a result, minor wounds may go unnoticed by patients, leading to inflammation and, ultimately, the development of larger wounds and necrosis.

Many patients also tend to neglect foot care, not out of carelessness but due to a phenomenon known as 'body image neglect.' This occurs when patients, due to neuropathy, lose sensation in their feet, leading to a diminished mental representation of their feet. Consequently, they may forget to tend to their foot health.

When the nerves responsible for controlling the muscles of the feet and toes are damaged, muscle atrophy can occur, leading to deformities such as claw toes. This alteration in foot structure can result in abnormal stress distribution across various areas of the foot, leading to pressure points that may become infected and evolve into lesions or necrosis. The combination of neuropathy and the lack of muscle innervation destabilizes the foot's architecture. If compounded by bone metabolism disorders, this can result in fractures and even destruction of the bone, contributing to the formation of a Charcot foot.

Furthermore, the role of angiopathy in the legs is significant in the onset of diabetic foot syndrome. Diabetic angiopathy is marked by severely calcified blood vessels and affects different vessels than those typically impacted in smokers. This vascular condition reduces blood flow to the feet, impairing wound healing processes. As infections become more prevalent, they pose a serious threat to foot health.

Preventative measures are essential for individuals with diabetes to mitigate the risks associated with diabetic foot syndrome. Regular foot examinations, maintaining proper hygiene, and ensuring adequate blood sugar control are fundamental practices. Additionally, patients should be educated on the importance of footwear that offers support and protection, as well as the need for regular consultations with healthcare professionals to monitor foot health effectively.