Page 10 - BBC - The Scientific Guide to a Healthier You

Cold feet

Diabetes affects over eight per cent of the

global population – and this image shows
just how serious the disease can be.
Shot using an infrared thermal camera,
the image shows how the patient’s right
foot is much cooler than the left one, due
to poor blood circulation.
Diabetes occurs either because the
pancreas doesn’t produce enough of the
hormone insulin or the body can’t use
the insulin it produces. As the hormone
regulates sugar levels in the blood, high
blood sugar damages blood vessels,
causing a lack of sensation known as
‘peripheral neuropathy’. Loss of sensation
exacerbates infections and ulcers, which
can ultimately lead to hospitalisation or,
in extreme cases, amputation.
Research suggests that up to 15 per
cent of diabetics develop a foot ulcer at

some point. To help fight these ulcers,
scientists have developed insoles
containing silver nano-particles with
antibacterial properties.

PHOTO: RICARDO VARDASCA /RPS