Diabetes affects more than blood sugar levels. It can lay the groundwork for other issues within the body including neuropathy in the feet. That’s because high blood sugar levels damage nerves, causing an individual to lose feeling in their hands and feet.
About 70% of diabetics eventually experience neuropathy, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Neuropathy can lead to serious and even life-threatening foot infections from cuts or sores that go unnoticed due to an inability to feel pain.
It’s important for people with diabetes to manage blood sugar levels to stay healthy, while making diabetic foot care a priority. Here are few guidelines to help diabetics stay on track.
Wear Proper Footwear and Socks
Diabetic foot care includes paying attention to the shoes you wear. Look for shoes that provide wiggle room for the toes as well as coverage on the top and bottom of the feet. Avoid seams, as they can cause blisters or skin abrasions. It’s also best to choose padded socks made of cotton for peak moisture absorption.
Never Go Barefoot
The great outdoors isn’t the only place where diabetics should protect their feet. Indoors can be full of hazards that cause foot injuries. Flecks of glass from the mug you broke, or a sewing needle from your latest project can unknowingly embed into the foot, causing an infection later. Going for a soft pair of house slippers is a better choice for diabetic foot care as well as a cozier option too.
Check Your Feet Once a Day
Make it a habit to perform a foot review every day. Maybe it’s after your morning shower or when you head to bed at night. Be on the lookout for sores, dry and cracked skin, blisters, or changes in color. If your feet are hard to reach, use a large hand-held mirror for added arm extension, or ask a loved one to help.
Choose Low-Impact Exercises
Exercise is beneficial to everyone, especially when it comes to helping diabetics manage their condition. And while it’s a good thing, all exercise programs aren’t appropriate for everyone. Low-impact exercise is best for diabetic foot care, taking unwanted pressure off the feet.
Visit a Podiatrist Routinely
Your best connection for diabetic foot care is a podiatrist and foot specialist team. They provide advanced foot treatments and products you won’t find at your local drugstore. Your podiatrist can tackle bunions, stubborn calluses and corns with success, while eliminating infection with a shared plan for greater foot health.
Take Control of Your Diabetic Foot Care
There’s no better time than now to make your diabetic foot care a priority. Contact Foot Specialists of Birmingham for professional and comprehensive diabetic podiatry treatments for a better quality of life.
