Managing Diabetes

• Eating Healthy and Staying Fit to Control and Manage Diabetes
• Tips: Taking Good Care of Your Feet
• Tips to Help You Stay Healthy
• If You Have Diabetes, Know Your Blood Sugar Numbers

Tips: Taking Good Care of Your Feet

People with diabetes are at an increased risk for feet-related problems. This happens because the high levels of blood sugar can damage your nerves which cause you to lose feeling in your feet. Therefore, you may not feel a sore or a blister in your feet. Blisters or sores may get worse and turn into ulcers and these ulcers may get infected. These complications can escalate to a level that requires amputation.

PREVENTION IS KEY! 

• Follow your doctor’s recommendations and keep your blood sugar under control.
• Your doctor should check the sense of feeling in your feet during each visit to their office.
• Check your feet for redness, swelling, sores, blisters, cuts, bad odors, or changes in your toe nails every day.
• Contact your doctor immediately if you notice any problems in your feet.
• Don’t self-treat ingrown nails, calluses or bunions. Discuss with your doctor first.
• Wash your feet daily with lukewarm water and dry them well, especially between your toes. Be gentle with your feet; use a mild soap and do not rub them.
• Use a lotion or cream to moisturize your feet and ankles.
• Cut toenails straight across to prevent ingrown nails. Cut your toenails after bathing when your nails are softer. If you have hard nails you might need a professional to trim them.
• Never walk barefoot indoors or outdoors.
• Use comfortable shoes and buy them at the end of the day when your feet are swollen. Prefer soft, leather shoes with firm soles.
• Don’t wear open-toed shoes, such as flip-flops. Avoid high-heels and shoes with pointed toes.
• Always wear shoes with socks. Use socks with padding and made with natural fibers, such as cotton or wool.
• Check your shoes before wearing them to make sure there are no objects that might hurt your feet.