icon-nav-help
Need Help

Submit your question to our team of health care professionals.

icon-nav-current-questions
Current Question

See what's on the mind of the community right now.

icon-conf-speakers-at-a-glance
Meet the Team

Learn more about our world-renowned team.

icon-nav-archives
CWD Answers Archives

Review the entire archive according to the date it was posted.

CWD_Answers_Icon
October 6, 2003

Other Illnesses

advertisement
Question from Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA:

I’m 13 years old, have had type 1 diabetes for 10 years, and I use an insulin pump. I get athletes’ feet a lot, and it’s hard to get rid of. Is this a symptom of peripheral neuropathy?

Answer:

From: DTeam Staff

No, this is not diabetic neuropathy. This may simply be a reflection of an active, early teen who sweats and wears smelly old sneakers, or it may be that plus the addition of diabetes.

Athlete’s foot is caused by a fungus, a type of simple organism. The plural of fungus is “fungi.” (Mushrooms are fungi, so is mold). Fungi grow best in places that are dark and moist and with an easy food supply. So fungi love sugar. If your glucose levels are not in good control, that can predispose you to fungal infections.

What can you do? Wear cotton socks rather than polyester. Let your feet and shoes dry out and get some sunlight exposure! Wash those feet with soap. Wash the shoes occasionally. Various medicines can help fungal infections go away soon. Over-the-counter anti-fungals include name-brand products such as Tinactin, Lotrimen, Desitin, and others. My favorite is Lamisil because you do not need to apply it nearly as often as the others, and it works faster. Of course, keep those your sugars in better control!

DS