
February 21, 2007
Type 2
Question from India:
Why do people with type 2 feel and experience more internal and external generalized dryness? Are corns, calluses, and thick, dead skin also common for them? What is the best treatment option?
Answer:
Some of the dryness in the feet can be caused by lack of sweat. It is a manifestation of the nerves not working correctly in the presence of the diabetes. This may put the feet at greater risk for damage. In addition, calluses and the accumulation of dried skin occur in normal people with a lot of walking and in those who do not use good shoes while doing so. The problem with diabetes is that if you have decreased sensation from neuropathy, it is important to keep the dead skin cut away so the skin does not break down underneath the calluses. If the skin does break down, it may serve as a point for bacteria to enter and infect the foot. The combination of lack of sensation and decreased blood flow put the person with diabetes at risk for amputation when this occurs.
JTL