Over a long time, high blood glucose levels can cause damage to different areas of the body and this includes feet and legs.

High blood sugar may damage the nerve system, which stops important messages getting to and from the brain. The nerves in your body most likely to be affected and damaged are the longest ones – those that reach down to your legs and feet.

This can lead to loss of sensation in your feet, so that you are unable to feel pain, temperatures or vibrations.

Damage to nerves can also reduce the amount of sweat the feet produce, thus making the skin very dry.

Blood vessels can also be damaged by high blood glucose levels. This can affect the blood supply (circulation) to the legs and feet and may mean that less blood gets to your muscles, skin and tissue.

Chronic cold feet are often a result of impaired circulation and lack of mobility. Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) is the term given to a group of conditions that cause poor circulation to your extremities. Diabetes is the most common cause of PVD. Depending on the severity of the symptoms, treatment may include lifestyle changes, medications and procedures to open clogged arteries.

More to follow in our next “Healthy Feet Blog”