When it comes to diabetes, we first think of several factors: old age, obesity, male gender, alcohol consumption, etc. Diabetic patients need to pay extra attention to their diet. So what causes diabetes? Here are 6 reasons summarized by the author:
1. Neuropathy
Diabetes brings a lot of inconvenience to our lives. We know that there are some precautions to take when it comes to diabetes. Neuropathy is one of the causes. Neuropathy can cause atrophy of the small muscles in the foot, leading to claw-like toes (especially the third, fourth, and fifth toes).
This deformity makes the metatarsal heads the weight-bearing points of the foot. Friction can lead to calluses, which are highly prone to infection and ulceration. In severe cases, the infection can spread to nearby bones, causing osteomyelitis. Due to the loss of deep sensation and reflexes, patients may unknowingly overload certain joints, losing the protective effect against repeated trauma. This can result in irregular joints and joint surfaces, making them susceptible to fractures, dislocations, and subluxations, especially in the metatarsophalangeal joints.
2. Smoking
Smoking is a risk factor for peripheral vascular disease and peripheral neuropathy in diabetes. Most people believe that smoking is related to the occurrence of diabetic foot.
3. Metabolic Factors
Poor blood sugar control in daily life can also be a factor in the development of diabetes. We all know that good blood sugar control is also important for wound healing. Dyslipidemia is closely related to peripheral vascular disease in diabetes.
Dyslipidemia is an important factor leading to atherosclerosis, promoting the occurrence and development of peripheral vascular disease, thus increasing the risk of diabetic foot (DF) occurrence.
4. Prolonged Hyperglycemia
Due to prolonged hyperglycemia in diabetic patients, blood viscosity increases. Excessive blood sugar can cause blood vessels to become stiff, fragile, and thickened, reducing their ability to deform and supply blood.
On the other hand, increased blood viscosity also leads to vascular inflammation. These various factors can cause blood clots to form, leading to vascular occlusion and severe lack of blood supply. This can result in poor organ nutrition, impaired metabolism, and if tissues and organs are in this state for a long time, it can easily lead to organ necrosis. The feet are far from the heart, so vascular occlusion is relatively severe, which can easily lead to edema, discoloration, gangrene, and necrosis of the feet.
5. History of Foot Ulcers or Amputations
A study in the United States showed that a history of foot ulcers or amputations is an independent risk factor for diabetic foot.
6. Vascular Injury and Occlusion
Injury to nerve tissue causes neuropathy, leading to weakened vascular movements and decreased local tissue resistance. Minor injuries can cause infections, and due to the lack of local sensation, minor injuries cannot be treated in a timely manner, leading to rapid expansion of wounds. At the same time, due to the sensory impairment of the limbs, burns are also more likely to occur.
