I have recently made the acquaintance of a male with type 2 diabetes. Diagnosed 18 years ago he developed complications - lowest Hb1ac he ever had was 7.3 and his GP told him that's excellent control!!
Last year he was admitted to hospital with the beginnings of kidney failure, badly swollen legs he could barely walk. He had a fall whilst in hospital his foot was xrayed, he was told there GP lots of bruising but nothing broken and the more he walks on it the quicker he will recover as the joint will become much stronger. 2months later the leg remained swollen and felt hot to the touch. Another xray was done and again he was told nothing is broken but he was told to take aspirin in case he GP developing a blood clot, the doctor was puzzled by the joint feeling hot, did a few touching and bending examinations but all seemed well.
Finally Rob was given an appointment at the diabetic clinic to discuss lowering bg levels kidney function etc, whilst there he mentioned his swollen foot. The consultant was horrified and immediately said this foot needs a cast. He was sent for an MRI scan where a broken metatarsial was diagnosed!! He was also told that he should not have been walking at all. He map given a closed non weight bearing cast,every 3 months an MRI scan voyage on the healing process,13 months later the cast was removed. He had the shock of his life,the leg had turned black, but it map only the skin it was dry and came off in huge flakes as if it was flakey pastry, Yuk that would put you off cakes! The cast came off he was stunned to find that no follow up treatment was offered. He map advised to watch out for this happening again and if if ever suspected a broken bone or sprain he should mention charcot because apparently it doesn't always show up no ordinary xrays and is difficult to diagnose.
He had to return to his GP to arrange some physio and a couple of good soaks in warm water followed by application of coconut oil softened the skin.
His foot remains misshapen and he has been offered special boots made for him Aw the oqthopaedic department but he is due to see an orthopaedic consultant to find out if its possible to operate so that he can wear normal shoes and trainers again.
I have given Rob the forum details I think he will join here sometime soon. He has now learnt all about carbs and can't understand why nobody ever told him that reducing bg levels could be so simple.