Dr. Rajeev Premnath, a General Laparoscopic Surgeon and Endoscopist specializing in Minimally Invasive Proctology at Ramakrishna Hospital, Bengaluru, has a unique perspective on foot health. He sees feet not just as the body's foundation but also as vital indicators of overall well-being.

According to Dr. Premnath, your feet are like health detectives, providing valuable clues about your health. Instead of ignoring them until an injury occurs, he advocates paying attention to your feet, as they might be trying to communicate potential health issues. From sensation abnormalities to slow healing, your feet could be signaling underlying conditions like diabetes.

In India, where diabetes prevalence is alarmingly high, with millions affected by Type 2 diabetes and many more at risk, foot health becomes especially crucial. Dr. Premnath explains how diabetes disrupts the body's blood sugar regulation, affecting various organs and systems. For individuals with diabetes, foot complications like neuropathy, peripheral artery disease, and infections are common and require prompt attention.

Dr. Premnath emphasizes the importance of recognizing signs such as tingling, numbness, or slow healing in the feet, as they could indicate nerve damage or circulation problems associated with diabetes. He also highlights the significance of toenail health, as changes in nail texture or color can reflect underlying health issues, including diabetes.

To manage diabetes and promote foot health, Dr. Premnath advocates adopting a healthy lifestyle, including maintaining balanced blood sugar levels through diet and exercise, wearing appropriate footwear, practicing good hygiene, and boosting immunity. By taking proactive steps to care for their feet individuals with diabetes can mitigate the risk of complications and safeguard their overall health and mobility.