What to eat for diabetic foot

Written by Lin Xiang Dong

Endocrinology

Updated on September 26, 2024

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The treatment of diabetic foot begins with good blood sugar control. Therefore, dietary control is necessary for diabetic foot. For diabetic patients, it is required to eat three meals a day at regular times and avoid multiple smaller meals or snacks. Foods such as fruits, nuts, and those high in fats should be eaten less frequently. Additionally, liquid foods like soups and porridges should also be reduced. Only when blood sugar is well-controlled can the treatment of diabetic foot be effective.

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Written by Li Hui Zhi

Endocrinology

1min 5sec

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Symptoms of diabetic foot

The symptoms of diabetic foot can be categorized into those without wounds, commonly referred to as stage 0 diabetic foot. The main symptoms of stage 0 diabetic foot include lower limb paralysis, pain, intermittent claudication, severe lancinating pain, and other sensory abnormalities. This is what constitutes a stage 0 diabetic foot. Stages 1 to 5 of diabetic foot progressively involve wound ulceration, typically presenting as progressive ulceration, pain, and exudation. Therefore, it is recommended for diabetic foot patients to seek timely treatment from an endocrinology specialist, and to use medications under the guidance of a doctor to avoid worsening of diabetic foot infections and to prevent severe consequences.

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Written by Yang Li

Endocrinology

1min 7sec

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Care of diabetic foot wounds

In terms of caring for diabetic foot wounds, medical treatment, surgical intervention, or debridement is of course necessary. Regarding foot care, it's important to examine the condition of the wound. The primary principle is first, in dietary care, to ensure a high protein diet under the allowance of liver and kidney functions, and then a low-fat diet. It's important to include high-quality protein, which is beneficial for wound healing. Locally, the wound area must be kept clean and dry. It is crucial to maintain a concept of sterility, avoiding actions like breathing over the wound with the mouth or touching the wound area with hands. The wound should be cleaned or locally disinfected regularly every day. Additionally, foot wounds in diabetics should slightly elevate the feet to facilitate blood return. Moreover, regular observations of changes in the wound should be made and communicated timely to the doctors at the hospital.

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Written by Li Hui Zhi

Endocrinology

40sec

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How to deal with diabetic foot ulcers.

For diabetic foot ulcers, the first step is to assess the severity of the foot wound. Treatment definitely requires timely consultation with an endocrinology specialist. The first step is to control blood sugar levels to meet targets; second, control blood pressure and blood lipids; third, administer systemic anti-infection treatment, choosing a sensitive antibiotic based on the wound secretion cultures; fourth, local wound management involves debridement and dressing changes depending on the condition of the wound; fifth, an ultrasound of the lower limb vessels can be conducted to check for arterial sclerosis or occlusion, subsequently using medication to improve circulation.

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Written by Lin Xiang Dong

Endocrinology

39sec

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The precursor of diabetic foot

Diabetic foot is commonly seen in patients who have had diabetes for over ten years, often due to poor blood sugar control and inadequate care. There are three factors that lead to diabetic foot. The first is vascular factors, often accompanied by arterial stenosis in both lower limbs, leading to blood supply disorders. The second is neuropathy, accompanied by peripheral neuropathy, insensitivity to temperature and pain, which makes it easy to suffer burns and external injuries to the foot. The third factor is the presence of an infectious trigger. When these three factors combine, the risk of diabetic foot becomes very high.

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Written by Luo Han Ying

Endocrinology

1min 24sec

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Can diabetic foot be cured?

Diabetes has many complications, and once detected, the complications of diabetes cannot be completely cured. Diabetic foot is a relatively serious complication of diabetes. Diabetic foot generally involves many years of underlying vascular and nerve damage that eventually leads to infection or ulceration, resulting in the final formation of diabetic foot. Whether such a serious complication can be cured actually depends on the duration of the patient’s condition, the extent of the lesion, and most importantly, how soon they seek medical attention. For instance, if the infection is very severe, has damaged the bone, or if there is dry gangrene with local tissue necrosis in the foot, then no matter what conservative treatment is applied, it will not be effective, and surgical amputation will be the only option, meaning the foot cannot be saved. However, if some individuals only have early-stage skin ulceration that cannot heal, or if there is an infection that is not very severe, and they seek medical attention early, controlling the infection and treating with nerve nutrition and vascular protection can actually heal the ulcerated area of the foot.