Dr. Nasser Al-Hamidi, a General Surgery Consultant and Head of the Diabetic Foot Treatment Unit at Farwaniya Hospital, has highlighted a concerning trend -- deaths resulting from diabetic foot disease which now surpass those attributed to breast cancer in Kuwait.

Dr. Al-Hamidi underscored the significant impact of diabetes on Kuwaiti society, driven by unhealthy dietary choices and a lack of physical activity. He emphasized that diabetic foot disease's primary causes include peripheral nerve inflammation, peripheral artery blockages, elevated blood sugar levels, and hypertension. When the production of insulin is insufficient or its utilization is impaired, patients lose sensation in their feet, reports Al-Rai daily

Dr. Al-Hamidi reassured that Kuwait possesses the necessary expertise and medical equipment to treat this ailment, comparable to international standards. He issued a stern warning against unverified remedies and "Al-Hawaj" concoctions, noting that they can exacerbate diabetic foot issues.

Regrettably, some patients lack trust in medical professionals, seeking help only when the disease has deteriorated to the point of bone involvement. Such severe cases often necessitate foot amputations when gangrene's spread is beyond control.

As for the causes of diabetic foot, Dr. Al-Hamidi emphasized that factors include loss of sensation due to peripheral neuritis, which results in the inability to perceive pain from wounds, as well as peripheral artery blockages as a diabetes-related complication, elevated blood sugar and hypertension also contribute.

Dr. Al-Hamidi stressed the importance of careful shoe selection by diabetic patients to ensure proper blood circulation in the feet. Both men and women are advised against wearing high heels or going barefoot due to the risk of injuries, given the reduced sensation in their feet.

He outlined several symptoms associated with diabetic foot issues, including loss of sensation, temperature irregularities, tingling, numbness, changes in skin color, slow wound healing, and tissue swelling. In cases where peripheral arteries are affected, the patient's feet may turn blue due to impaired blood flow.

Notably, not all patients experience these symptoms, particularly those suffering from neuropathy who may not feel pain or experience mobility issues. Dr. Al-Hamidi stressed the importance of daily foot examinations and diligent monitoring.

Effective treatment hinges on swift intervention, strict blood sugar and blood pressure control, wound care, pressure reduction, and minimal weight-bearing on the affected foot during the recovery process. Antibiotics and infection-fighting medications are often administered, with a focus on meticulous wound cleaning and dead tissue removal to prevent worsening infections, particularly in cases of abscesses and necrotic tissue.

Dr. Al-Hamidi concluded by listing specific care instructions for diabetic foot patients, emphasizing the significance of appropriate footwear, daily foot checks, proper hygiene, nail care, regular medical follow-ups, blood sugar control, early detection of complications, and the treatment of minor wounds to prevent bacterial infiltration and tissue damage.