Podiatrist in Myrtle Beach, Conway, Little River and Surfside Beach Discusses Diabetes br br br br According to the American Diabetes Association, about 15.7 million people (5.9 percent of br br the United States population) have diabetes. Nervous system damage (also called neuropathy) br br affects about 60 to 70 percent of people with diabetes and is a major complication that may br br cause diabetics to lose feeling in their feet or hands. br br Foot problems are a big risk in diabetics. Diabetics must constantly monitor their feet or br br face severe consequences, including amputation. br br With a diabetic foot, a wound as small as a blister from wearing a shoe that's too tight can br br cause a lot of damage. Diabetes decreases blood flow, so injuries are slow to heal. When br br your wound is not healing, it's at risk for infection. As a diabetic, your infections spread br br quickly. If you have diabetes, you should inspect your feet every day.