Mind Body & Soul

It is important to help guide you through the rather involved process of a diabetic foot infection. Properly understanding this situation can mean the difference between keeping your leg and losing it. Over the next three posts, I will be discussing this rather significant diabetic problem.

RESPONSE: A diabetic foot infection is a serious concern. Infections typically refer to bacteria, but keep in mind many other organisms can create an infection: fungus, viruses, parasites, insects, etc. Bacteria are by far the most prevalent. Some bacteria are harmful while others are beneficial. Keep in mind; bacteria are all around us, on the floor, on doorknobs, on keys, on dishes, on pens, etc. You get the idea.

The usual route of infection for a diabetic typically begins with a break in the skin. Let’s use an example. Harry is a diabetic preparing for his grandson’s wedding in just over a months time. He is trying on a pair of rental shoes that come with his tuxedo. He unknowingly creates a small cut on the top of his foot while trying on a pair of shoes that are too small for him. Because he is diabetic and has sensory neuropathy, he is unable to feel this cut and continues to go about his day, oblivious to the fact that he has a small opening on the top of his foot. Also, because he is diabetic, his immune system is not functioning optimally and is unable to mount the proper immune response that a healthy individual would be able to do.

So going back to our example, the bacteria have now seeded themselves on the top of Harry’s foot from the used rental shoe. They have begun to rapidly multiply after a few days and Harry is still unaware that he has a problem. After about a week, Harry begins to complain of a low grade fever and notices that he has some smelly yellow fluid on his white socks. Harry is no dummy; he already is a patient of a local podiatrist, a physician who has special training in all aspects of foot, ankle, and leg conditions. He makes an appointment to see the doctor the following week.

Last 5 posts by adam Lopez

• Asthma Attack Relief Using NLP - July 30th, 2010
• Great Dental Care Plans - July 30th, 2010
• Dietary Herbal Supplements Guide - July 27th, 2010
• Decorative gardening edging and fencing tips - July 27th, 2010
• Panic Attacks in Pregnancy - July 27th, 2010

Comments are closed.