Diabetics suffering from neuropathy can develop minor cuts, scrapes, blisters, or pressure sores that they may not be aware of due to the insensitivity. If these minor injuries are left untreated, complications may result and lead to ulceration and possibly even amputation. Neuropathy can cause deformities such as Bunions, Hammer Toes and Charcot Feet. Poor Circulation Diabetes often leads to peripheral vascular disease which inhibits a person's blood circulation. Poor circulation contributes to diabetic foot problems by reducing the amount of oxygen and nutrition supplied to the skin and other tissue, therefore causing injuries to heal poorly.
Poor circulation can also lead to swelling and dryness of the foot.
Preventing foot complications is more critical for the diabetic patient since poor circulation impairs the healing process, and can lead to ulcers, infection, and other serious foot conditions.