Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy: A Grave Concern Demanding Proactive Prevention
Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) poses a significant threat to patients with diabetes, as it is the primary cause of non-traumatic lower limb amputations, accounting for approximately 60% of such cases. Beyond its hallmark symptoms of numbness and sensory abnormalities, DPN-induced motor instability has increasingly drawn the attention of experts, as it triples the risk of falls compared to diabetic patients without neuropathy.
Hyperglycemia stands as the principal risk factor driving the progression of DPN, although other contributing elements include dyslipidemia, hypertension, duration of diabetes, age, male gender, smoking, alcohol consumption, and more. Given the severity and complexity of treating DPN, emphasis on prevention is paramount.
Daily Foot Care for Diabetic Patients
To prevent DPN, diabetic individuals must diligently practice foot care. This routine should involve:
- Daily washing with warm water (not exceeding 37°C), never testing the temperature with the feet.
- Thorough drying with a soft, light-colored towel, inspecting for bleeding or exudation and ensuring interdigital spaces remain dry.
- Moisturizing the skin with ointments or creams, avoiding application between toes or on ulcers.
- For those with cracked skin, using specialized urea-based creams.
- Careful toenail trimming, cutting straight across to avoid deep edges.
- Selecting comfortable, well-fitting footwear and socks:
- Socks should be made of absorbent, breathable materials like cotton or wool, be light-colored, appropriately sized, and feature a loose cuff, flat seams, and a smooth inner surface.
- Shoes should have spacious, deep toe boxes, thick, cushioned soles, low heels, and smooth linings.
- Shoes should be purchased in the afternoon, tried on both feet simultaneously, and initially worn for 1-2 hours daily, gradually increasing wear time.
- Prior to wearing shoes, check and remove any foreign objects inside, and avoid sandals with open toes or walking barefoot, especially on hot surfaces like sand or cement.
Avoiding Risk Factors
In addition to daily foot care, diabetics should steer clear of potential hazards, such as proximity to heat sources like heaters, usage of hot water bottles, electric heaters, or electric blankets, and refraining from walking barefoot.
Complementary Preventive Measures
Alongside these daily self-care practices, diabetic patients may benefit from incorporating Chinese patent medicines that promote blood circulation, dissolve blood stasis, and specifically target DPN. Such interventions can serve as preemptive measures to deter the onset of the condition.
In summary, diabetic peripheral neuropathy is a grave complication necessitating vigilant prevention. By adhering to comprehensive foot care routines, steering clear of risk factors, and considering complementary therapies, diabetic patients can significantly reduce their risk of developing DPN and its potentially devastating consequences.