Living with Diabetes?
Take Good Care of Your Feet

Managing diabetes is more than checking your blood sugar and changing your diet. Living with diabetes means being aware of how it can affect every aspect of your health, including your feet. Healthy feet do more than help you walk and move; they help keep out infections that may compromise your overall health.

Less Feeling, Slower Healing
High blood glucose from diabetes can lead to nerve damage and poor blood flow to your feet. When nerves to the legs and feet are damaged, you might not feel pain, heat, or cold as you normally would. This lack of feeling is called diabetic neuropathy. In addition, poor blood flow slows the healing process, so it takes longer for a sore or infection to heal. This problem is called peripheral vascular disease, and it is made worse by smoking.

As a person with diabetes, you may experience loss of feeling in your feet, making it difficult to detect blisters or sores that need attention. Blisters and sores may go unnoticed and turn into ulcers or become infected, which could cause serious problems. Because your body's healing process may be slower, it's very important to seek medical attention as soon as you notice a sore on your foot.

Put Your Feet First
Being proactive about caring for your feet can make a big difference in your quality of life, and the key is awareness every day. The following tips can help keep your feet healthy:

• Check your feet every day for cuts, blisters, sores, swelling, redness, or sore toenails. If you have difficulty bending over to see your feet, use a mirror or ask someone else to check your feet. If you see a wound or sore, try to stop further irritation to the area and see your doctor. He or she can provide additional care if the wound is infected or requires special attention.
• Wash your feet every day in warm water. Make sure the water temperature is not too hot by testing with your elbow, and always dry your feet well after washing, especially in between your toes.
• Apply lotion after washing if your feet are dry. Dry, cracked skin allows infection to get under the skin, so it helps to stay moisturized.
• Keep toenails trim but not too short. Cut toenails when they are soft from washing.
• Always wear shoes or slippers – even around the house – to protect your feet from injury. Wear socks with shoes to prevent blisters, but don't wear tight socks that may cut off circulation.
• Wear shoes that fit well and are supportive. Check the insides of your shoes for sharp edges or objects before putting them on.

Ask Your Doctor
Don't hesitate to call or make an appointment with your doctor to talk about your foot health. Talbert's podiatrists are very experienced in diabetic foot care. They can examine your feet, check blood flow to your legs and feet, and show you care techniques.

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