My father is a diabetic and if I don’t quit eating like I am and start exercising, I am headed in that direction. Since both my grandmothers were also diabetics, I probably know more about diabetes than the average person.
One thing I learned from my grandmothers is that diabetics need to take good care of their feet. Why the focus on foot care? Well, if you don’t take good care of your feet, it can lead to amputation of toes, feet, or even your leg.
Diabetics are more likely to have foot problems because of reduced blood flow to the feet. According to the American Diabetes Association, for every five diabetics that seek hospital care, one of them is coming in because of foot problems.
How can a diabetic properly care for his or her feet? First of all, use warm water and mild soap when washing. Make sure to dry your feet thoroughly, but pat, don’t rub the feet. Cracking is often a problem, so use lotion liberally as a measure of prevention. However, don’t put the lotion between your toes.
Check your feet for blisters, cuts, sores, corns, calluses, scratches, or ingrown toenails. These can turn into big problems if not attended to. Be sure to check both the top and bottom of your feet. If you can’t check them well, ask someone else to. Let your doctor know if you see any redness or feel warmth or tenderness anywhere on your feet.
You should also pay attention to your toenails. If you cut them after bathing, they will be soft and easy to cut. Cut them straight – if you cut the corners, it can lead to ingrown toenails. If needed, file the nails to smooth them out. Avoid cutting cuticles. If you don’t feel comfortable cutting your nails, ask your doctor if a nurse can do it or if he or she can recommend someone.
Try to avoid going barefoot. Also avoid high heel and pointed shoes. One of the best preventative tips is to purchase good shoes that fit well if you can. You should only wear new shoes for an hour at a time until they are broken in to avoid blisters and calluses.
Taking care of your feet might not seem like such an important part of your health, but if you are diabetic, it is imperative that you show your feet a little extra attention.