The effect of weather changes on diabetic foot

Arab Weather - causes poor blood circulation, and neuropathies that may result from diabetes, an increased risk of complications from the disease on the foot, as some simple foot problems may cause infectious diseases in diabetics to develop in them, and the occurrence of some serious complications that may lead to the worst cases To amputation of the foot, and this condition is known as diabetic foot.

The change in the seasons of the year and the change that accompanies it in temperature and humidity may significantly affect human health, including people who suffer from diabetes, as they are more likely to develop problems and complications in their extremities as a result of poor blood circulation and nerve problems that accompany diabetes.

Some of the negative effects of low temperatures and cold weather on diabetic foot include:

Lower temperatures

Some studies indicate that low temperatures make it more difficult to control blood sugar levels in diabetics, which means that those who suffer from diabetes are more likely than others to develop health problems related to the circulatory and respiratory system during cold weather, which increases the risk of Foot complications.

Increased humidity

Increased humidity causes an increase in the risk of developing complications associated with diabetic foot, as walking on snow, during rainy weather, and on wet and muddy surfaces causes the feet to lose heat very quickly, and increase the moisture of the feet, which provides a suitable environment for the multiplication of germs and bacteria, and disease Infectious.

People with diabetes generally suffer from dry, itchy feet, which may increase during periods of low temperatures and cold climates, as a result of exposing them to various heat sources, which increases the dryness of the feet and cracked skin, which increases the risk of infectious diseases and ulcers that increase Significantly in cases of chapped skin.

Also, heat sources used in cold climates, such as heaters, stoves, electronic blankets, hot baths, etc., also pose a risk to diabetics who suffer from neuropathy (English: Diabetic Neuropathy), or loss of feeling in the limbs, as these heat sources may cause Second- or third-degree burns occur without the patient being aware of that, which leads to a significant deterioration in the condition of the feet.

The negative effects of the weather are not limited to cold climates, as high temperatures and humidity also have negative effects on people with diabetes and diabetic foot, as exposure to high temperatures, especially for people who prefer to wear sandals during the summer rather than closed shoes, increases Among the seriousness of foot swelling, dryness and cracking of the skin, in addition to the problems associated with walking without wearing any shoes, such as wounds, burns and bubbles (English: Blisters) as a result of walking on sidewalks and hot floors without the patient noticing it.

In summer, some diabetics and cases of high temperatures may develop swelling in the feet, which makes the shoes they usually use narrower, causing pressure on the feet, which may cause the development of sores and skin bubbles on the toes and heels.

Prevention of the negative effects of weather on diabetic feet

Diabetics are recommended to follow some preventive tips and precautions to keep their feet healthy from the potential negative effects of the weather on them, and these tips include the following:

Maintaining dry feet , changing wet or wet socks, and drying the feet with a clean dry towel, and making sure to carefully dry the area between the toes, to prevent the growth of bacteria or fungi and the development of infectious diseases.

Moisturizing the feet , as it is recommended to use appropriate moisturizers on a daily basis to prevent the skin from itching and cracking, taking care not to use these moisturizers on the areas between the toes to avoid the growth of fungi.

Avoid direct heat sources on the feet , as this increases dryness and cracking of the feet, in addition to the risk of burns as a result of some patients not feeling hot in their feet due to the neurological disorders that accompany diabetes. Diabetics should not put their feet in hot water directly without measuring their temperature using a thermometer, in addition to the necessity of avoiding the use of thermal devices on the feet, such as electronic blankets, or thermal shoe liners, and others.

The use of socks that absorb sweat and moisture , and keep the feet dry and warm, as a specialist doctor can recommend specific types of them based on the patient's condition.

Use appropriate footwear , as it is recommended to wear appropriate sized medical shoes, which contain supportive and comfortable liners, and have a comfortable front to the toes that reduce friction and pressure on them.

The use of compression support socks , which are socks that put pressure on the feet, to prevent swelling of the feet that is common in summer and high temperatures, and to avoid complications associated with this swelling, such as poor circulation and increased neuropathy.

Avoid wearing exposed shoes , such as sandals, as these shoes cause an increase in skin dryness and cracking, so it is recommended to reduce the wearing of exposed shoes, and check the feet periodically after wearing them.

Make sure to see a specialist in foot and ankle surgery periodically , as diabetics are more likely to suffer from one of the foot problems, so it is recommended to see a specialist to obtain the necessary care and prevention from these potential problems.

Source: Cura