5 diabetes-related foot problems, as Pete Doherty opens up about health scare

Pete Doherty, former frontman of The Libertines who later pursued a solo career under the name Babyshambles, has revealed it was “touch and go” for him following a health scare in January.

Speaking to The Times, the musician, 46, opened up about how years of mistreating his body resulted in his type 2 diabetes diagnosis, which in turn led to loss of feeling in his extremities and questions over whether he’d have to have his toes amputated.

Once synonymous with the so-called “Indie Sleaze” movement of the Noughties, Doherty was known for his party lifestyle, regularly hitting the headlines during his relationship with supermodel Kate Moss.

He then made the decision to go clean, renouncing drugs in 2019, but has attributed his diet of cheese and wine when he moved to France as part of the reason for his bout of ill health at the start of the year.

He said “it was a real wake-up call,” and that the only way out was a lifestyle overhaul. “Now I allow myself a gin and tonic once a week,” he told the publication, “but I’ve basically not been drinking and have got my blood sugar to a good level, so my toes are healing. But smoking doesn’t help… If the inflammation gets too bad, you can lose your foot.”

He now wears orthopaedic footwear to help with his foot problems, and is about to embark on a new solo tour, following the release of his album Felt Better Alive, which comes out on 15 May.

How diabetes affects feet

Those with diabetes are at greater risk of developing foot problems because over time, raised blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels that supply the nerves, preventing essential nutrients from reaching those areas. The nerves in the feet and legs are most commonly affected.

In turn, this can lead to poor circulation lost feeling, numbness, tingling, pain, ulcers, cuts and sores – or even amputation is serious cases.

1. Blisters

According to Diabetes.org, diabetic blisters are rare but can develop on the feet, legs, hands and arms. They usually heal on their own after five weeks and generally do not hurt. You should avoid bursting the blisters yourself – instead, go to your GP if they need to be drained.

2. Issues with toes

Another diabetes-related foot problem is issues with your toes – which can include anything from bent, claw-like joints to bunions and nerve damage.

3. Ulcers

Common among people with diabetic polyneuropathy – nerve damage – foot ulcers are open wounds that can take time to heal. Per the NHS, this could be caused by numbness in your feet.

If you are unaware of things causing damage or hurting your feet, having ill-fitting shoes and high blood pressure cutting off the blood supply, you could get cuts or blisters, which may develop into ulcers. You should regularly check your feet and make sure ulcers are dressed and covered to help them heal.

4. Infection and gangrene

If you do not regularly check your feet or take care of them, these wounds can get infected and develop into gangrene – a serious condition where the body tissue dies due to lack of blood supply.

The affected area usually becomes swollen, with the skin turning red, purple or black, and you may also have sores and blisters, as well as loss of feeling.

In severe cases, you may need to have your toes of foot amputated.

5. Heart and blood circulation issues

When damage to the peripheral nerves disrupts the automatic functions that control your blood circulation and heartbeat, you can develop cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy (CAN) – a potentially serious issue heart and blood circulation issue. CAN can impact your ability to exercise and cause dizziness.

To ease the effects of CAN, try standing and sitting up gradually, drink plenty of fluids, tilt your bed at the top end to help improve circulation and wear compression socks.

As well as having an annual foot check, people with diabetes should see a podiatrist regularly to assess the risk level and manage any symptoms or pain. They will come up with a personalised care plan, which may involved treatment or things you can do at home to prevent serious issues.

Additionally, you should:

• Check your feet every day

• Avoid smoking

• Maintain a healthy lifestyle and ensure your blood sugar levels are as close to target as possible

• Speak to your GP if you are worried or experience anything out of the norm

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