Expert highlights three main causes of diabetic foot

Medical researcher Fahad Al-Khudairi has identified three main causes behind the development of diabetic foot.

Al-Khudairi explained on the X platform that diabetic foot typically results from three primary factors: peripheral neuropathy, poor blood circulation, and exposure to external injuries or trauma.

He added that diabetic foot is a complication of diabetes, often occurring in older patients after living with diabetes for more than twenty years. Several factors contribute to its onset, including neglecting diabetes medications and treatment, even for a few days, which can cause blood sugar to rise to dangerous levels and damage peripheral nerves.

He continued that these complications can lead to reduced blood flow to the extremities, and may develop within a few months of neglect, or from consuming sweets, sugars, and pastries that elevate blood sugar levels.

Other causes include failing to maintain stable blood sugar levels throughout treatment, neglecting regular check-ups, and not adhering to prescribed medications. These issues are most common among diabetes patients who have had the disease for twenty years or more and neglect their medical treatments.

Al-Khudairi clarified that the main causes include: neuropathy—nerve damage from prolonged high blood sugar, which reduces the ability to feel pain or temperature in the feet; and poor circulation—narrowing and hardening of the arteries, which limits the flow of oxygen-rich blood and nutrients, hindering wound healing.