Diabetes has become a common problem in the United States, and the world.  This disease has continued to increase and is causing multiple complications throughout the body.  These complications are usually a symptom of tissue failing to function as they are designed.  This can include poor circulation, decreased ability of the immune system to function, and failure of the nerves to function properly. 

In fact, a simple explanation is "sugar coating" the tissues of the body.  As the nerves, cells of the immune system or blood vessels are coated, they start to malfunction or may even fail.  This can affect many areas of the body, from diabetic neuropathy to heart problems or peripheral vascular disease to non-healing wounds.  These are seen throughout the body, but the areas furthest from the body are most affected.  For this reason, foot problems become more common in diabetics.

With diabetes, the foot is affected as one of the locations of the body furthest from the body:

• Peripheral Neuropathy - Because the nerves to the feet are furthest from the brain and spinal cord
• Peripheral Vascular Disease - Because the blood vessels are the furthest from the heart
• Immune System/Poor Wound Healing - Because the tissues are furthest from the central area or the body