The main symptoms of diabetic foot include foot numbness, dry and cracked skin, foot ulcers, infection and pus formation, and gangrene. Diabetic foot is one of the common chronic complications of diabetes, mainly caused by peripheral neuropathy and vascular disease resulting from long‑term high blood glucose.
- Foot numbness
The early stage of diabetic foot often presents with abnormal foot sensation, such as numbness, stabbing pain, or a burning feeling. This is because high blood glucose damages peripheral nerves, reducing nerve conduction function. Patients may have reduced sensitivity to temperature, pain, and other stimuli, and easily overlook foot injuries. - Dry and cracked skin
Patients with diabetic foot often develop dry, scaly, and even cracked skin on the feet. High blood glucose causes water loss from the skin, while autonomic neuropathy affects sweat gland secretion, making the skin lose elasticity. Cracked skin is prone to secondary infection, so regular moisturizing cream care is needed. - Foot ulcers
Foot ulcers are a typical manifestation of diabetic foot, often occurring on weight‑bearing areas such as the sole and heel. Neuropathy reduces pressure sensation, and vascular disease leads to insufficient local blood supply. Minor friction or trauma can form wounds that are difficult to heal. - Infection and pus formation
Diabetic foot ulcers are easily complicated by bacterial infection, showing local redness, swelling, pain, and purulent discharge. A high blood glucose environment promotes bacterial growth, and decreased immune function makes infection difficult to control. In severe cases, systemic symptoms such as fever and chills may occur. - Gangrene
In the late stage of diabetic foot, tissue necrosis may develop, presenting as blackened, dried‑out toes or feet. This results from tissue ischemia and hypoxia due to severe vascular occlusion. Gangrene is often accompanied by severe pain and requires emergency treatment to prevent the spread of infection.
Patients with diabetic foot should strictly control blood glucose, check their feet daily for injuries, keep feet clean and dry, wear loose and comfortable shoes and socks, and avoid walking barefoot.If any foot abnormality is found, seek medical advice promptly. A professional doctor will evaluate the condition and develop an individualized treatment plan. If necessary, debridement, vascular reconstruction, and other procedures will be performed to prevent serious complications.