Diabetic neuropathy – If your diabetes is not managed properly and you suffer from chronically high blood sugar levels, it can lead to extensive damage to​ your nerves. If the nerves in your feet and legs are impacted, you may suffer from “sensory diabetic neuropathy”; you may be unable to feel temperature (heat or coldness) or pain.  There is the risk that if you get a cut on your foot, you may not feel it due to neuropathy. This cut could get worse and become infected.  Additionally, the functioning of the muscles in your foot may also be negatively impacted due to damage to the nerves that make them work. This could lead to a case where your foot will not align properly, creating excess pressure on the other foot. You are also at an increased risk of getting a foot ulcer, due to nerve damage, or due to peripheral vascular disease.

Peripheral vascular disease – The disease is a circulation disorder which can result in inadequate blood flow to your arms and legs. If you suffer from compromised blood flow, it will mean that cuts and sores will take longer to heal than normal. If you develop an infection that does not heal in a timely manner due to low blood flow, it puts you at greater risk of developing ulcers or gangrene (this refers to the death of tissue as a result of a lack of blood).
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