Diabetic Foot: Symptoms, Risks & Prevention Guide for India

Diabetic foot ulcer stages and complications including superficial ulcer, deep ulcer, abscess osteitis, gangrene, callus formation, cracked skin, reduced blood flow, and nerve damage in diabetes patients

Diabetic Foot: Symptoms, Risks & Prevention Guide for India

What Is Diabetic Foot?

Diabetic Foot is a serious but silent complication of diabetes where high blood sugar damages the nerves, skin, and blood vessels in your feet.
This leads to:

  • Numbness
  • Burning feet
  • Tingling
  • Dry, cracked heels
  • Slow healing
  • Non-healing wounds
  • Foot ulcers
  • Infections

And in severe cases… amputation

The scariest part?
You don’t feel pain.
Nerves get damaged quietly, and small injuries turn into big problems without you realizing it.

Do You Have Diabetes?

Then You MUST Read This…
Most diabetics in India know about sugar levels, insulin, diet, HbA1c…
But almost no one knows about diabetic foot until it becomes a problem.

Even if your sugar is “a little high,” even if you think “I’m managing it,” diabetic foot can start developing without any symptoms.

This article will help you understand:

  • what diabetic foot really is
  • early signs you should NEVER ignore
  • example of what we see in real patients
  • what you can do today
  • how Defeat Diabetese helps you prevent it

Here’s Something I’ve Observed While Working With Patients

This is not a single case this is a pattern we see repeatedly.

Case-Style Example (Based on Real Patient Patterns We See)

Ramesh, 44, walked in for a consultation.
His complaints:

  • Tingling at night
  • Burning feet
  • Post-lunch tiredness
  • Cracked heels
  • High fasting sugars

He didn’t think any of this was a “foot problem.”
He thought it was just “normal diabetic issues.”

  • But during his check-up, we found:
    A small cut on his right foot He had no sensation there
    It had been there for a week without him realizing
    It had already started showing signs of infection

His first reaction?
“But I didn’t feel any pain…”

Exactly.
That’s how diabetic foot starts in silence.

After 3 months of working with Defeat Diabetese:

  • His sugars came under control
  • The wound healed
  • Burning & tingling reduced
  • Cracks healed
  • Sensation improved
  • Foot habits changed

This is why awareness matters more than fear. 

Why Does Diabetic Foot Happen?

 1.Nerve Damage – Diabetic Neuropathy

High blood sugar damages your nerves.
You stop feeling pain, heat, pressure, or injuries.

2. Poor Blood Circulation

Your feet get less blood → slower healing → high risk of infection.

3. Weak Immune Response

Diabetes reduces your body’s healing capability.

4. Indian Lifestyle Factors

This is WHY diabetic foot is very common in India:

  • Walking barefoot at home
  • Using cheap, hard chappals
  • High-carb breakfast culture
  • Too much tea + biscuits
  • Post-lunch sleepiness after heavy meals
  • Ignoring foot dryness & cracks
  • Eating “healthy snacks” that still spike sugars
  • Not reading food labels properly

Important reads:

Early Warning Signs of Diabetic Foot

If you have diabetes and even ONE of these signs, it’s a red flag:

  • Burning feet
  • Numbness
  • Tingling
  • Dry, cracked heels
  • Frequent foot pain
  • Electric-shock feeling
  • Darkened skin
  • Swelling
  • Bad smell
  • Non-healing wounds
  • Feeling cold feet
  • Loss of sensation

If caught early, diabetic foot is 100% manageable.

Biggest Danger: Foot Ulcers

A foot ulcer is a wound that does not heal because of poor circulation + nerve damage.
Most ulcers begin from:

  • Cracked heels
  • Small cuts
  • Tight footwear
  • Blisters
  • Walking barefoot
  • Ignored dryness

If not treated early → infection → deep ulcers → possible amputation.

How to Protect Your Feet

1. Inspect Your Feet Daily

Use a mirror. Look for wounds, cracks, or color changes.

2. Never Walk Barefoot

Not inside the house, not outside.

3. Wear Diabetes-Friendly Footwear

Soft soles, wide toe box, no pointed ends.

4. Moisturise Daily (But NOT between the toes)

Keeps skin healthy and prevents cracks.

5. Control Your Blood Sugar

This is the #1 factor behind diabetic foot.

6. Trim Nails Properly

Straight across. Avoid curved edges.

7. Avoid Home Remedies

Haldi, toothpaste, or heating pads worsen the wound.

8. Regular Check-Ups

Get a foot exam every 3–6 months.

Conclusion

Diabetic foot does NOT start with a big wound.
It starts with small things:

  • Minor tingling
  • Slight burning
  • A tiny crack
  • A small cut you didn’t feel

Awareness + prevention + sugar control = safe feet for life.

You can protect yourself.
And we’re here to help you every step of the way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Foot damage caused by high sugar, nerve damage, poor blood flow, and slow healing.

Nerve damage cannot be fully reversed, but symptoms can improve and complications can be prevented.

Small injuries + nerve damage + poor blood circulation.

Daily inspection, good footwear, moisturising, and keeping sugar levels under control.

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