Tips for diabetic foot care

How Diabetes Affects Feet

There are two primary issues that affect feet in diabetic people. The first issue is neuropathy, which results in nerve damage. When diabetes exacts serious nerve damage on the feet, it can reduce sensation in that area, and deprive one of the ability to feel a change in temperature in that part of the body.

Another common issue faced by many diabetics is peripheral vascular disease. Diabetes has the capacity to affect blood flow in the feet. Without sufficient flow of blood, foot healing can be severely impaired in some situations. Furthermore, this can cause portions of the foot to atrophy in some ways. This, however, is not as benign as it sounds. If an infection persists because it cannot heal (as a result of poor blood flow), one faces the risk of developing a condition known as gangrene. Gangrene causes the tissue to die because of a lack of proper blood flow. Quite often, doctors are forced to amputate toes, feet, or even legs to obstruct the spread of this condition. 56,000 people with diabetes have amputations annually, which suggests that the impending risk of developing an infection from poor blood flow is very high for diabetics.

Of course, diabetics have an increased risk for a slew of other foot problems, including athlete’s foot, corns, calluses, blisters, bunions, nail fungus, hammertoes, foot ulcers, and warts. In order to avert the risks associated with these conditions it is important to engage in proper foot care. Read below to learn more.

Diabetes Foot Care

Taking care of your feet is absolutely essential, especially for a diabetic. This disease complicates the issue of flood flow because once it is reached the low extremities of your body, gravity alone can make it difficult to travel back up. With the added issue of diminished blood flow, you must make concerted efforts to protect your feet.

Always regulate your diabetes. Watch your diet, check your blood sugar as specified, and take the prescribed medication you are given.

The next step to taking care of your feet is to wiggle your toes, and to massage and elevate your feet. This will promote both circulation and sensation in the area. It is also important to stay active because a sedentary lifestyle can perpetuate poor circulation.

Another simple recommendation is to wear socks and shoes at all times. Walking barefoot can increase your risk of injury or athlete’s foot.