New technology and research is improving this situation, but they can only do so with diligent help and cooperation from the patient. One reason why diabetes is so dangerous is that it often leads to peripheral neuropathy, a condition in which nerve function deteriorates in the body's extremities. This damage leads to a gradual loss of normal feeling in the hands, arms, legs and, especially, the feet. The patient may feel numbness, weakness or a tingling in the extremities, or in some cases, shooting pains or a burning sensation. Most problematic, however, is the loss of the body's ability to sense pain in the affected areas.
Pain enables the patient to know something is wrong.
Without it, patients often fail to seek timely treatment for cuts, bruises, burns or blisters of the feet that heal poorly owing to diabetes-related circulatory problems. Because of this, otherwise minor skin problems of the feet tend worsen and can easily become infected. Another common foot condition that can occur with diabetics is what known as a charcot foot . They should inspect their feet carefully every day, using their hands to feel for areas of hard or dry skin, and a mirror to check the bottoms of the feet for any redness or cracking. These precautions can help prevent the feet from becoming ulcerated or infected.