Falling Can Be a Sign of Diabetic Neuropathy: MD Podiatrist

According to Dan Michaels, DPM, “Your feet are the foundation of an active lifestyle. But if diabetes has been damaging the nerves in your lower extremities, you may begin experiencing peripheral neuropathy (numbness, tingling, or burning in the feet and toes). With the loss of feeling comes other serious risks such as loss of balance leading to frequent falls and open sores on the feet, causing possible amputations.”
 
Once numbness sets in, you are now also at a greater risk of falling. In fact, your risk of falling triples if you have a nerve disorder such as peripheral neuropathy. If you fall once, it doubles your chances of falling again. One in five falls causes a serious injury, with 18,000 fatalities yearly in older adults (CDC). Talk to your healthcare team about available resources such as physical therapy to improve balance and strength; dietary counseling, exercise via Silver Sneakers or even a personal trainer and other weight loss options to improve glucose control; and see your podiatrist regularly to keep that active lifestyle you deserve,” says Dr. Michaels.