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Diabetes Q&A | Other | What does it mean when a toe nail turns
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09/14/09 01:59 AM

"What does it mean when a toe nail turns black?"
Asked By: macias90210  
Category: Other

Background Info Hide
My mom was diagnose few month ago and just few day ago she notice that her toenail is turning black. She is afraid she might lose her toe.

Expert Answers (1)

09/16/09 10:51 AM

Hello Macias90210;
Please do not guess, a prompt trip to her/your PCP/Endocrinologist is the Rx.
Take action, it could only be a severe bruise, however, she must have a reason to be fearful.

The sooner the identification, if it is diabetes related, the better the outcome!!! (Yes, with diabetes the risk of amputations is increased, although these risks occur over a great deal of time and uncontrolled blood sugars).

Diabetes is a progressive disease reflecting the beta cell production of the pancreas's insulin. This diagnosis has a strong genetic link and strongly influenced by environmental factors.

With Ty2, (I'm assuming this her diagnosis), her treatment involves meal planning, physical activity and may include oral medications which make her own insulin work better, or the replacement with an insulin Rx. Diabetes involves the entire body, impacting every system. Good control is described by the American Diabetes Association: Know the ABC's of diabetes,(she most likely has these values and this is her baseline data):

  • A1c<7%, (a blood test that reflects the levels of the blood glucose over a period of 2-3 months, the life span of the blood cell)
  • Blood pressure<130/80mmHG
  • Total cholesterol<200, LDL,(lipoproteins)<100, HDL>50 for women
  • Triglycerides<150mg/dl
  • if she smokes, stopping is highly recommended

    Effective diabetes prevention and management includes ongoing education, your local hospital usually have a certified diabetes education program to help with her empowerment to take control and you are a great source of support. Access your healthcare professionals, RN, CDE, RD, and CDE who will assist with reinforcement of current diabetes management and prevention practices. Physical activity, weight management and positive nutritional practices are beneficial to help manage and prevent type 2 diabetes. Hope this helps, call on dLife as needed. Regards Sue

    • Answered By: Susan Throop
    Accreditations: RD, CDE, MA
    Sources Show

    Community Answers (1)

    10/13/09 04:25 PM

    When my big toe nails were black it was due to a fungus infection. I didn't know I was type 2 diab. at the time. The foot doc told me to use Vicks Vapo Rub on my toe nails 1-2 times a day, then put on a pr. of white socks. It may sound weird but my toe nails are no longer black and helps with softening up your nails. This has worked great for me, but it should be checked to be sure. It is not something to mess around with. Blessings!
    Answered By:
    FLAG
    SourcesShow



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