Diabetes and Feet
The Diabetes Lifestyle - Maintaining the Quality of Life
Diabetes and Feet - diabetes can lead to serious problems with the feet if not properly treated including amputation as a worst case scenario.
Diabetics are at serious risk for infections with their feet, which, if not treated, can result in amputation.
Two of the most significant side effects of diabetes are nerve damage (this is called diabetic neuropathy) and poor blood flow. Nerve damage results when the nerve cells' normal functioning has been disrupted by too much sugar in the blood. As a result diabetics often lose sensation in the feet making them vulnerable to cuts and puncture wounds which can then easily become infected and dangerous and eventually lead to amputation of the foot and sometimes part of the leg.
The second most significant side effect of diabetes is poor blood flow. This is termed peripheral vascular disease, and results in poor healing of cuts and wounds especially in the feet which are furthest away from the center of the arterial system.
With these two significant side effects, it is very important that diabetics have their feet checked twice a day for any cuts, wounds, or sores. Feet should be cleaned daily and dried fully. Diabetics should always wear shoes or house slippers, even when at home, as this will decrease the likelihood of stepping on a sharp object and suffering feet injuries.
The poor blood circulation common to this disease makes it less likely that wounds in lower legs and feet will heal quickly, if at all. Therefore, it is very important to prevent them in the first place.
Here are some recommendations for foot care for diabetics:-
- Keep your feet clean by washing them daily then dry them thoroughly, and checking carefully for cuts, wounds, or calluses each day.
- Drink plenty of water to keep your skin well hydrated and strong. Use lotion to repair dry skin on the feet or heels.
- Check water temperature before bathing, as diabetes reduces sensitivity you may not be able to tell how hot it is in time to avoid a scald.
- As mentioned earlier feet should always be protected with shoes while out or slippers at home.
- Finally, be sure to be properly fitted for your shoes. Shoes which are too tight can cause ongoing foot problems.