Symptoms of diabetic foot

Written by Li Hui Zhi
Endocrinology
Updated on February 27, 2025
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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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What to eat for diabetic foot

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 Yang Li
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Early signs of diabetic foot disease

Some early signs of diabetic foot disease include a decrease in skin temperature of both feet, such as constantly feeling coldness in the feet, which indicates insufficient blood supply. Another symptom is peripheral neuropathy, which manifests as numbness or burning in both feet, and unusual sensations like stepping on cotton or feeling like ants are crawling. These are also early signs of diabetic foot disease. Once there is a break in the skin surface, it is crucial to be vigilant as it might be diabetic foot disease. Diabetic foot disease is a very serious condition and one must take early preventive measures. At the slightest sign of any skin break, it is essential to seek proper treatment at a standard hospital.

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Written by Zhao Xin Lan
Endocrinology
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How to treat diabetic foot early

First of all, in the early stages of diabetes, it is necessary to control blood sugar to prevent the occurrence of diabetic foot. If diabetic foot has already appeared in the early stages of diabetes, then it is important to prevent the further development of diabetic foot into late-stage ulceration and gangrene. Firstly, proper care should be taken to avoid damage to the skin. Secondly, it is crucial to control blood sugar, complete examination of lower limb vascular ultrasonography or angiography, ascertain the extent of lower limb vascular lesions, and improve blood circulation. If there is an occlusion of the blood vessels in the lower limbs, surgical methods should be used as soon as possible to open the vessels and maintain blood supply, to prevent further deterioration.

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Written by Li Hui Zhi
Endocrinology
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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
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Where does diabetic foot hurt?

Diabetic foot refers to those with a history of diabetes who subsequently develop skin ulceration and pus formation on the feet, which can progress to localized gangrene or gangrene of the entire foot. This condition is then termed as diabetic foot. It is usually due to three factors: The first is vascular factors, often accompanied by arterial narrowing in both lower limbs, leading to ischemia and hypoxia. The second is neurological factors, typically accompanied by peripheral neuropathy, causing numbness in both feet and insensitivity to pain, thus often pain is not felt. The third factor involves the presence of an infection. These three factors together make it easy for diabetic foot to develop. Therefore, most patients with diabetic foot do not feel pain. However, if the neuropathy is relatively mild or is a painful neuropathy, these patients may feel pain in their feet or at the site of skin ulceration.