The Role of Nutrition in Diabetic Foot Health

Nutrition is one of the core treatments for diabetes. What you eat affects your blood sugar numbers. That doesn’t mean you need to follow a sugar-free diet, but eating a balanced diet helps with blood sugar control and benefits your health, including the health of your feet.

Our experienced podiatrist, Dr. Richard Hochman, understands that diabetic foot care goes beyond examining the feet and providing treatment for wounds. He wants to prevent problems by providing nutrition guidance that benefits our patients with diabetes and feet. 

In this month’s blog, we explain the role of nutrition in diabetic foot health.

Diabetes and the feet

Diabetes affects how your body uses energy, also called glucose, from food. Normally after digestion, glucose enters the bloodstream, triggering the release of insulin from the pancreas. Insulin is a hormone that helps move glucose from the bloodstream into the cells.

People with diabetes have too much glucose in their blood because of problems that affect insulin. Over time, the excess glucose damages the body, including blood vessels, nerves, and organs.

Because the blood vessels and nerves in your feet are so small, the risk of damage is greater. Damage to the blood vessels affects circulation to your feet, and damage to nerves affects sensation. 

Poor circulation means poor wound healing, and loss of sensation means you can’t feel cuts and blisters, delaying wound care. These two diabetes complications increase the risk of developing nonhealing foot wounds that can quickly turn into an infection and potentially limb loss. 

Nutrition in diabetic foot health

Other than regular visits to our office for foot health checks, the best way to keep your feet healthy is by following your diabetes treatment plan. 

Nutrition is important because it helps with blood glucose control and provides your body and feet with the nutrients necessary to maintain health.

Carbohydrate-containing foods (grains, starches, fruits, and milk) affect blood sugar. Eating too many carbs at a meal may increase your numbers. Instead, try to eat a consistent amount of carbs at each meal every day. An eating routine helps keep blood sugar under control.

Nutrition guidance for diabetes is personalized so it works with your lifestyle and food likes. We may refer you to a registered dietitian for a customized nutrition plan. 

Nutrition for advanced wound care

Beyond your routine eating plan, your nutrition needs may change when you have a foot wound. Though you need good blood sugar control to support healing, you may also need other nutrients such as:

• Protein — An adequate amount of protein supports the wound healing process. 
• Zinc — This trace mineral supports wound healing by managing insulin and inflammation and as an antioxidant.
• Vitamin C — Your body needs this powerful antioxidant to make collagen, the structural protein your body uses to close open wounds. 

The nutrients you need for advanced wound care may come from food or supplements. Emerging evidence also suggests omega-3 fatty acids and probiotics may support diabetes foot health and wound care.

Diabetes affects almost every organ in your body. Though we specialize in feet, we take care of your whole health. For help with nutrition and diabetic foot health, call our Coral Gables, Florida, office today at 239-256-1450, or request an appointment online.