Many things work together to cause foot problems in people who
have diabetes, especially poor circulation and nerve disease
(neuropathy). Neuropathy significantly dulls awareness of your
feet, making you more susceptible to extensive injury-related
damage. Also, diabetes can impair your ability to heal by both
damaging your immune system and decreasing the blood flow in
your legs. If your vision has been affected by diabetic
retinopathy or other eye problems, you may not see an injury or
infection in your feet early. If you get a foot infection or
injury, you may not notice it until your condition is so serious
that you require surgery, possibly amputation. Things that
increase your risk for diabetic foot problems include: Because
foot disease in diabetes usually begins with neuropathy, your
first step in preventing foot problems should be addressing
problems with your nerves. Neuropathy causes problems in your
feet by disrupting your nerves, both reducing your sensation of
pain and causing problems with the