Foot care tips for people with diabetes
If you have diabetes, your doctor has probably already told you about the importance of proper diabetic foot care.
Here are tips from experts on ways to keep your feet on track:
Keep blood glucose levels within range. A study called The Diabetes Complications and Control Trial showed that tight control of sugar levels could reduce nerve disease risk by 60%.
If the shoe fits, wear it. Shoes that don't fit properly can contribute to foot ulcerations in individuals with diabetes. Make sure your shoes are loose enough to allow blood circulation and sturdy enough to support your feet. Leather shoes (both soles and "uppers") allow air to better circulate. If you don't have a lot of sensation in your feet, find a shoewear specialist who fits people with diabetes.
Look inside. Before you put your shoes on, check that they are smooth inside and free from any debris. Any loose debris in your shoes is a potential hazard for cuts or scrapes.
Don't bare it. Never go barefoot anywhere, even in the house. This is especially true when walking on hot sandy beaches and pavement.
Don't cut corners. If you cut your own toenails, be sure to cut straight across. Use an emery board, not a metal file, to smooth off rough edges and round the nail slightly in the middle. Your doctor may suggest having a podiatrist or healthcare professional do this for you.
Keep them moisturized. Dry skin can crack, raising the risk of infections such as nail fungus or athlete's foot. Rub lotion on your feet after washing and drying them. Don't put the lotion between your toes; avoid creating the moist, warm environment fungus craves.
Don't do-it-yourself. If you have corns, calluses or plantar warts, have your doctor treat them. And be sure to advise your doctor about any other foot problems you have, including:
- Open sores (ulcers)
- Infections
- Thickened, yellowed nails
- Reddened, tender toes
- Any pain, numbness or burning sensations
- Puncture wounds or other cuts or scrapes on the foot
Make lifestyle changes. Losing weight and stopping smoking will help keep your feet healthy. Extra weight stresses your feet, and smoking leads to poor lower limb blood circulation. If you have nail fungus, safe, effective treatment may help you avoid the embarrassment or pain of infected nails and help return you to an active lifestyle.