Care for Diabetic Feet

A diabetic has a host of problems to deal with besides just the blood sugar. The skin and feet are very important to care for, because if they are not, serious complications like gangrene and even amputation can occur. Diabetics can die due to complications from foot problems. It is extremely important to care for the feet.

50% of leg amputations are performed on diabetics. The risk of foot infections is 40 times higher in diabetics. Risk of gangrene is 17 times higher in diabetics. 25% of diabetic hospitalizations are the result of foot problems.

Diabetes causes two types of problems for your feet:

* Neuropathy, which is damage to the nerves in the legs and feet, can cause lack of feeling, so that a sore or cut can go undetected because you do not know it is there. The feet become insensitive to hot and cold, and can be burned or chilled without your knowledge.
* Poor blood flow can cause peripheral vascular disease. Peripheral vascular disease slows down the healing process. Smoking when you have diabetes can make the blood flow problems much worse.

What should one do to prevent problems and remain healthy? Prevention is the key: regular screening for neuropathy and artery problems, monthly pedicures, daily foot examinations, daily use of a foot product to prevent calluses, and moisturize the skin and retain its protective role. How do you do this?

1. Manage your diabetes. Keep all of your medical appointments and do what your professional tells you to do. Have your doctor inspect your feet at each visit.
2. Make sure you monitor your blood sugar and keep it level. Take your medicine as prescribed. Eat the proper diet.
3. Stay active and keep your body in shape. Working out can help accomplish that.
4. Care for your feet daily. Set a time of day to inspect you feet, so that you do this every day. Check them for cuts, blisters, sores, swelling, redness, or sore toenails.
5. Every day, bathe your feet and dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes.
6. Put cream or lotion on your feet every day. This helps to keep the skin hydrated and smooth, so that no cracks develop.
7. Keep your toe nails trimmed straight across and filed. This helps to prevent ingrown nails. Have monthly pedicures.
8. Always wear shoes and socks. Never go barefoot, even at home. This helps to prevent any injury.
9. Ask your doctor if you need special shoes. Most insurance will help with the cost of shoes prescribed by your doctor.
10. Make sure that you have good circulation to your feet. Just putting them up when you sit, wiggling your toes and moving your feet around a few times a day will help this immensely. Get in the habit of not crossing your legs when you sit.
11. Do not smoke. This slows down the circulation.
12. Start today to care for yourself.

Even though diabetes is not easy to live with, taking these precautions can go a long way in helping you to maintain your disease and have healthy feet.