Diabetic toenails are a typical sign, especially in the early stages of the disease. They develop when the tiny blood arteries in the foot get damaged as a result of excessive blood sugar levels, which then leads to impaired circulation. This might lead to the toenails being thicker, more brittle, and discolored over time. Toenails may potentially come out in extreme occurrences of the condition. But what exactly are the symptoms, and what treatments are available for diabetic toenails in the initial stage?
Let’s go deeper into the specifics of diabetic toenails in the first stage and figure out what you can do to avoid or treat such a condition!
Symptoms
It is important to keep in mind that you should communicate any issues that you may have with your healthcare adviser. The following is a list of some of the most prevalent symptoms of diabetes in its early stages:
- Toenails that have changed color
- Toenails that have become brittle and cracked
- Toenails that have become thickened
- Toenails that are uncomfortable or sore to the touch
- Toenails that have been detached from the nail bed
A blood test that determines how much sugar is currently present in the blood is often used to diagnose diabetes. The hemoglobin A1C test, which determines your average blood sugar levels over the previous two to three months, is another test that your doctor may administer to you.
Causes
First-stage diabetes toenails are a result of high blood sugar levels, which can cause damage to the tiny blood arteries that are found in the foot. Other variables that may contribute to diabetic toenails in the early stage include the following:
The four most common causes of problems are:
- Poor foot cleanliness
- Ingrown toenails
- Poorly fitting shoes
- Fungal infections
Treatment
If treatment is not received, the illness may become much more severe and lead to other difficulties. To begin, you will need to make sure that your feet are always clean and dry, that your toenails are trimmed straight across, and that you wear shoes that are both comfortable and fit well. To treat fungal infections, you may try using antifungal creams or powders that are available over-the-counter, or you might try using drugs that are prescribed to you by a doctor.
