Diabetic Foot: A Silent Threat That Can Lead to Disability

Mr. Liu, a diabetic patient in his eighties, began experiencing serious issues with his foot.

From pus discharge to blackening of the tissue, Mr. Liu consistently refused to undergo an amputation. He believed that a limb so far from the heart and brain wouldn’t pose much of a threat. Moreover, he held onto the traditional belief that “the body, hair, and skin are gifts from our parents” — and therefore should not be casually severed.

Despite doctors and his children repeatedly trying to persuade him, Mr. Liu remained firm in his belief that there was no danger. However, two months later, he suddenly passed away due to sepsis caused by diabetic foot complications — a silent alarm that went ignored.

Problems at the Extremities Are Often Overlooked

Because fingers and toes are far from the heart and brain, many people dismiss issues in those areas as minor and expect them to heal on their own — but that’s a dangerous misconception.

This is not making a fuss over nothing.

According to international statistics, diabetic patients account for 40%–60% of all non-traumatic lower-limb amputations, and 85% of these cases are caused by foot complications. That’s why any foot issues in diabetic patients must be taken seriously. Especially for those with diabetic foot, even a minor wound or ulcer should be promptly checked and treated at a hospital.

The “Sock-like” Symptom: A Common Early Sign of Diabetic Foot

Diabetic foot typically begins with symptoms like itchy skin, dullness, pigmentation, along with dryness and swelling. In more severe cases, it can lead to cracking, injury, ulceration, and even gangrene.

Patients may also experience reduced sensitivity to pain and temperature — signs like cold extremities, numbness, or a “sock-like” loss of sensation. Over time, the shape of the foot may also change, resulting in conditions like collapsed metatarsals, bent toe joints, flat arches, hammer toes, or claw toes.

“Prevention Is Better Than Cure”: How Diabetic Patients Can Protect Their Feet

Diabetic foot is one of the most serious complications of diabetes, with a high risk of disability or death. That’s why early prevention is absolutely essential.

In addition to managing blood sugar and controlling blood pressure, here’s how to protect your feet:

Wear light-colored, comfortable cotton socks
Light colors help you spot stains, dirt, or wounds early. Avoid tight socks, which can restrict blood flow. Choose socks that are loose but stay in place.
Choose soft, well-fitted shoes with good breathability
Always check inside your shoes before wearing them to avoid foreign objects that could cause injury. Avoid pointy, high-heeled, or overly tight shoes, which can lead to pressure and friction injuries.
Regularly inspect your feet
Look out for athlete’s foot, calluses, ulcers, blisters, swelling, or redness — and get prompt treatment when needed.

For all diabetic patients — especially those already diagnosed with diabetic foot — foot hygiene is crucial. Change and wash socks daily. Keep shoes dry. Never walk barefoot, even indoors. Walking barefoot increases the risk of injury and infection, and compromises foot health.