Type 2 Diabetes - Diabetic Foot Infections

Unfortunately infections are common for people with either Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, especially in the lower extremities. In fact, foot infections rank as the most common of all. But why the foot? How serious of a problem can foot infections become? And what can be done to avoid them?

The good news is an ounce of prevention right now is worth pounds of cure in the future when it comes to your feet and toes. Feet are often neglected during the day when we take them over all types of terrain and squash them into unsuitable shoes.

The reason infections are so much more of a problem for diabetics than they are for non-diabetics, is because of several different factors. One reason has to do with the fact many diabetics have a sedentary lifestyle, meaning they have little or no physical activity. This helps to lead to poor circulation of their feet and can advance to a serious state before the diabetic is even aware they have a problem.

Another problem is many diabetics do not maintain healthy blood sugar levels. The elevated sugar then goes to work to cause a myriad of complications. One is a buildup of plaque in the arteries that restricts blood flow. Another is the excess amount of sugar in the bloodstream which attacks and begins to destroy nerve endings, most commonly in the legs and especially in the feet.

But the worst way is how the body reacts to foot infections. In a normal setting, the body would sense an infection and immediately send white blood cells to begin repairing the infected area. But since a diabetic has impaired circulation, the number of phagocytic cells (cells that attack and destroy bacteria), are greatly decreased. This means there is a very limited amount of antibodies available to help the infected tissue.

Even the type of infection can range in severity. Foot infections can start with soft tissue infections and progress to severe, chronic infections involving both tissue and bone. From there, they can increase to peripheral vascular disease which involves the large blood vessels and then infections which advance to gangrene.

Not only are the infections more severe as compared to infections non-diabetics develop, but they also take much longer to control and cure. If conditions are not drastically improved and the infection dealt with in an aggressive and consistent manner, there is the probability the foot, or at the very least part of the foot, would have to be amputated.

There are many cases where part of the foot is removed, the infection continues to spread and another amputation is needed in order to stop progression of the damage.

The best way to limit the possibility of developing a foot infection is to thoroughly inspect your feet each day. There is no greater act of prevention than awareness. If necessary use a magnifying glass... some pharmacies carry a device which is a long stick with a magnifying lens on the end (this would make it much easier to view the sole of your foot). And use a good light! Take special note of skin color, temperature, sensation, or changes in the integrity of the skin. Don't forget to check between each of your toes. As well as feeling great, foot massages can help with circulation also.

To discover answers to questions you may be asking yourself about Type 2 Diabetes, click on this link... Natural Diabetes Treatments

Type 2 Diabetes - Diabetics And Infections

Type 2 diabetes is a metabolic disorder characterized by high blood sugar which affects many systems in the body, one of which is the immune system. This means people with diabetes are more prone to infections because high blood sugar levels weaken the immune system. Some diabetes-related health issues like diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage) and decreased blood flow to the extremities also contribute to the development of these infections.

Some of the more common diabetic infections include foot complications, urinary tract infections and yeast infections.

Diabetic neuropathy causes a lack of sensation in the lower extremities, which means foot injuries can easily go unnoticed. If these injuries are left untreated, they get infected. Some types of neuropathy can also cause skin dryness leading to cracks and fissures of the foot. These splits in the skin allow for the entry of infections into the body from such areas of origin as foot ulcers and calluses. Decreased blood flow to the extremities also hampers the normal immune defenses and promotes infection.

People with diabetes spend more days in the hospital with foot infections than with any other complication. At some point in their lives, approximately 15 percent of people diagnosed with diabetes will develop a foot ulcer.

High blood sugar levels cause an increase in sugar in the urine as the body attempts to remove the excess sugar via the kidneys. This serves as food to the bacterial cultures in the urinary tract. Most often, bacteria E coli causes infection. When an increased bacterial growth develops in the bladder it causes a urinary bladder infection called cystitis. If cystitis is left untreated, bacteria can migrate from the bladder to the kidneys. Once there, it can cause kidney infections known as Pyelonephritis.

Yeast cells (candida albicans) that occur naturally on the skin and mucus membrane, can enter the body through the insulin injection site. Once the yeast cells enter the blood stream, they interfere with the normal defense mechanism of the white blood cells. When the white blood cells get impaired, the yeast cells replicate unchecked, causing yeast infections.

High blood sugar levels also serve as food for the candida albicans and work to promote the infections. The common yeast infections in diabetics include:

vaginal yeast infection,oral thrush,skin, andnail-bed infections.

The untreated yeast infection can even enter the bloodstream causing a life-threatening systemic yeast infection.

Diabetics are usually advised to maintain close diligence of their skin at all times. Any cuts or sores should be closely monitored so that they do not develop into infections. If they do, your doctor should be notified immediately. Some infections of the feet can increase into such severity that amputation is necessary.

You feet should be checked at every visit by your doctor. If you have a problem with your feet, such as ingrown toenails or a fungal infection, your doctor should immediately refer you to a foot specialist, preferably one experienced in treating people with diabetes.

To discover answers to questions you may be asking yourself about Type 2 Diabetes, click on this link... Natural Diabetes Treatments