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Stop Smoking for Diabetic foot problems
Diabetes Management StrategiesHealth Risk Awareness and Interventionscirculatory problemsdiabetesdiabetic footnerve damageangioplastybypasssurgeryblood cholesterolblood pressureblood sugaraspirinblood thinnerfootlegs

Stop Smoking for Diabetic foot problems

Dr Prashant Vas, Consultant Endocrinologist and Diabetologist explains why smoking can cause problems in feet for people with Diabetes. He explains that smoking can cause both nerve and circulation problems. He also explains how healing is delayed with smoking - particular important after and operation.

Transcript (auto-generated)

This transcript was generated automatically and may contain errors.

Smoking is a risk factor for blood vessel inflammation and diabetes also causes inflammation in the blood vessels. So you can see if you smoke and have diabetes, you can get a double hit. So it's vital to explore opportunities to stop smoking when you have diabetes. Now And when you have a problem with your diabetic foot, it could be because of nerve damage, or it could be because of circulatory problems. Often it's because of both. And smoking is a risk factor for both diabetic nerve damage and circulatory problems in diabetes. If you've had a treatment plan offered for your circulatory problems, for example, if you had an angioplasty to your legs or a bypass to your legs, or even if you had surgery, for example, to release some of the foot shapes, it's important to explore options of smoking cessation because your wound healing can be delayed if you smoke. And of course, whatever the doctors have done to improve your circulation can come undone if you continue to smoke. You should ensure your blood pressure is well controlled, that your blood sugar is well controlled, blood cholesterol is well controlled. And of course, if you've had treatment, you often will be offered aspirin or another form of blood thinner. And you're consistent in ensuring that you're compliant with it.

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