Cuts & Blisters
When blood glucose is high, nerve cells swell and scar. Eventually
their ability to send proper signals throughout the body is
impaired. The disease associated with nerve damage to the
nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord is referred to
as peripheral neuropathy.
The two most common types of neuropathy in diabetics involve
impairment of sensory and autonomic nerves. Impaired nerve
signals to the brain about sensations such as the detection
of heat or pain may lead to burns or undetected cuts that
can become infected.
If untreated, infected foot and leg ulcers can spread to
the bone and may require amputation. Daily examination of
the feet to identify sores or cuts at an early stage often
prevents this from occurring. Burning, pain or tingling sensations
in the hands, legs and feet are also common.
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