4 Potential Signs of Diabetes

At Goldsmith Podiatry, a disease we are concerned about that can severely impact your feet is diabetes. We strive to educate our Manhattan patients about this and other conditions that affect podiatric health. Recognizing the signs of diabetes can mean getting treatment in the earliest stages when you manage the disease. Below are four potential symptoms to be on the lookout for:

1.    Nail disorders—diabetes is often linked with peripheral arterial disease (PAD), which causes a narrowing of the arteries. Decreased blood flow means infections are more likely, and that’s why an increase in fungal toenails and ingrown nails may occur.

2.    Skin changes—patients with diabetes often have dry skin due to nerve issues that fail to produce the necessary oils to moisturize the skin. It can lead to painful cracks, especially around the heels, which may bleed and become infected.

3.    Unusual sensations—one major problem associated with diabetes is neuropathy or nerve damage. You may notice your feet or toes feel numb, or they can feel like they’re burning or tingling. There may be an overall loss of sensation, resulting in injuries to the feet going undetected when they first occur.

4.    Slow healing—the lack of blood flow to the lower extremities in patients with diabetes means cuts, sores, and rashes are slower to heal. It can create a dangerous situation because the longer it takes for open wounds to heal, the greater the chance for infection, which can spread to other parts of the body and may even result in amputation.

Take Preventative Action

If you have any concerns about unusual symptoms you’ve noticed in your feet, the first step is to contact our Upper West Side office by calling (212) 877-1002 and schedule an appointment with our podiatrist, Dr. Howard Goldsmith and Dr. Rosanna Troia. In fact, regular podiatric checkups are a good way to detect any changes in your feet and head off potentially dangerous conditions.

In addition, eating a nutritious diet that helps you maintain appropriate weight and regular exercise will decrease your risk of diabetes. If you have questions about your risk for this disease, don’t hesitate to contact us.