DIABETES AND YOUR FEET, Part II of III

DIABETES AND YOUR FEET

~Written 9-11-12 … never forget~

Diabetes affects millions of Americans and their daily lives.  One cause for concern with this disease is the damage done to the feet from high sugar levels, mainly nerve and blood vessel damage.  This makes the diabetic patient more susceptible to infection from poor wound healing.  In addition, Diabetes can have a detrimental effect on the kidneys, eyes as well as the feet.

However, there are several day-by-day routines that you can do to protect your feet from an infection that can become catastrophic:

          •         Check your feet every day.  If you are obese, have a family member check, or buy a floor mirror that you can put your feet close to and see the bottom surface.  If your vision is poor, an inexpensive way is to get a pair of +3 reading glasses from your local drugstore.  A magnifying glass can help as well.  Often a patient has such bad nerve damage that he cannot feel any cuts or blisters.  If I had 5 cents for every diabetic patient who walked in with a tack or diabetic syringe needle in their foot and could not ‘feel’ it – I’d be quite wealthy!

          •         Rub lotion to promote moisture, but do not put it in between toes because this can cause infection.  Be sure the lotion is ‘diabetic approved’.  Many brands are available and often, urea based creams are the safest as they have humectants – products that pull water into the skin.  Avoid Lanolin based creams.

          •         Always wear shoes, slippers or socks around the house to protect feet from injury.  Make sure all your shoes fit properly.  Look for 'diabetic socks' which are of natural fibers, breathe and do not have rubber to cut off your circulation.

          •         If nails are not infected with fungus, cut toenails once a week in between doctor visits.  Clean the nails before cutting them with alcohol.  Make sure the clippers are clean and rub with alcohol or a dab of household bleach.  Avoid nail salons – unless you have some that ‘sterilize’ – check with your doctor or local social media site to see what 'like minded diabetics' have to say about the salon.  Make sure to cut nails straight across and avoid the corners - and tell your pedicurist the same!

     •         Develop healthy habits to keep your sugar levels under control, such as a healthy food and exercise plan.  Monitor your blood glucose every single day and take any medications prescribed by your physician.  Exercise and a good diet are your best friends and the best way to lower blood sugar.  Many useful 'exchange' diets are available on the Internet and from the American Diabetes Association.

Most importantly, make an appointment with your doctor as soon as you notice any problems.  Unfortunately, diabetes is a very serious disease and one instance of an unnoticed wound can spiral into something quite serious.  You should think of your feet as we all think of our teeth – they should be checked by a foot specialist at least twice a year when one is a diabetic.

“Prevent Diabetes Problems: Keep Your Feet and Skin Healthy.” National Institute of Health Publication No 08-4282 (2008)”