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Your Diabetes Foot Care
When you are diagnosed with diabetes foot care is the last thing you'll think of. It certainly didn't cross my mind - until my father-in-law (who had type 2 diabetes) developed serious problems with his feet, which resulted in him having a leg amputated. You can bet that was certainly a wake-up call!
I hadn't realized that, as diabetics, we are more prone to problems like this if we don't attend to our diabetic foot care.
Obviously (at least I hope it is obvious) controlling your diabetes helps you with your diabetic foot care.
In addition here are a few simple actions you can take to make sure foot problems don't creep up on you:
- Keep a watchful eye on your blood sugars; check regularly and make sure you follow your diabetic diet plan and (if appropriate) take your prescribed medication at the right time and frequency for you.
- Part of your diabetes foot care should be to get your feet checked at least once a year - usually when you have your annual check up for your AC1 levels (blood glucose levels over a 3-month period), blood pressure and cholesterol.
- Check your feet daily - especially if you have low sensitivity or no feeling in your feet. Sores, cuts and grazes could go unnoticed and you could develop problems - as my father-in-law did!
- Wash your feet every day. Use warm, not hot water. It's not a good idea to soak your feet (even if you've been standing all day or been out 'shopping 'till you drop') because it could dry your skin, which in turn could lead to cracks and sores.
- Be sure to dry your feet completely. Especially between your toes. These are natural moisture traps - leaving them wet could create all sorts of foot problems.
- Be careful if you have corns or calluses. Check with your doctor or podiatrist the best way to care for them.
- Keep your toenails trimmed. Especially on your little toes if they are very close to the next toe. Longer nails can cut in to the toe alongside and create problems without you noticing. This is another reason to check your feet daily as part of your diabetes foot care program.
- Don't go around barefoot, even indoors. It's easy to tread on something or stub your toes and damage yourself. Protect your feet with socks/stockings and shoes/slippers.
- Don't wear fashion shoes that pinch, create sores or damage your feet in other ways. Fortunately the modern trend is for sensibly shaped shoes or trainers that are supportive and the right shape for your feet to be comfortable in. If you are looking for comfortable footwear have a look at these Men's Diabetic Shoes or these Ladies Diabetic Shoes.
- Exercise your legs and feet. Even when sitting you can rotate your ankles; wiggle your toes; move your legs up and down. These all keep your blood circulation flowing and helps to minimize the risk of foot problems.
- Take gentle exercise; such as walking, dancing, swimming and cycling. All are easy on your feet whilst being good for your general health. Click here for more suggestions for gentle exercise you can do.
Free Guide - Take Care of Your Feet for a Lifetime