Diabetes is a medical condition in which your body cannot produce enough insulin, a hormone created in the pancreas that allows your body’s cells to utilize blood glucose (sugar) properly. When you have diabetes, the condition leads to levels of blood sugar that are too high to maintain proper cell functioning. The insulin, that is being insufficiently produced, is what helps glucose from food get into your cells to produce energy. Without appropriate amounts of insulin in your blood, the glucose stays there and cannot reach the cells it needs to for energy requirements. This condition can lead to some serious health issues and complications.

If your diabetic condition is not kept under control, it can damage your nerves, particularly the nerves in your legs, toes, and feet. You may experience diabetic neuropathy or peripheral vascular disease. Diabetic neuropathy is when you lose feeling in your feet, especially when a sore, blister or other complication occurs on your foot and goes undetected due to a loss of sensation in the area. The ulcer or cut can become infected and lead to other significant complications. Peripheral vascular disease is when there is a reduced flow of blood to your feet. This deficiency in blood circulation makes it hard for even tiny cuts or sores on the foot or toes to heal correctly, also leading to infection and more serious issues. Other common foot issues that can be traced to those with diabetes include: