In recent times, diabetes has become one of the largest harmful chronic diseases throughout the world. The main reasons for diabetes are the modern day sedentary lifestyle, genetic susceptibility, obesity and physical inactivity.
Diabetes can mean double trouble for the feet. First, diabetes can lower the blood flow to the feet, depriving the feet of nutrients and oxygen. This makes it more difficult for sores, blisters, and cuts to heal.
Second, diabetic nerve damage called peripheral neuropathy can cause numbness in the feet. When one can not feel blisters and cuts, one is more likely to get infections and sores.
Foot Complications Related to Diabetes
There are mainly six types of Diabetes foot care tips complications like skin changes, neuropathy, calluses, foot ulcers, poor circulation, and amputation.
- Skin Changes: Diabetes can cause dry and cracked skin. It generates changes in the colour of the feet. When the levels of the blood glucose become high, the body starts to lose fluid. This happens because the body is transforming the water into urine to surpass additional glucose from the body.
- Neuropathy: Neuropathy is widely known as peripheral neuropathy. The main causes of neuropathy are repetitive injury, metabolic problems, physical trauma, and infection.
- Calluses: Calluses on the feet refer to the thickened portion of the skin. They are round, and they form at the bony area just underneath the toes. The poorly fitting shoes can cause calluses on the top of the toes, and excessive running can cause calluses on the sole of the feet.
- Poor Circulation: Poor blood circulation occurs when the different parts of the body don’t receive sufficient blood flow. In diabetic patients, high blood glucose level can damage the blood vessels.
- Foot ulcer: Diabetic foot ulcer is the most well-known complications of diabetes mellitus and also one of the most problematic diabetic foot problems. Peripheral artery disease, smoking, diabetic neuropathy, poor glycemic control and ischemia of small blood vessels increase the chance of foot ulcers.
- Amputation: Diabetic patients are more prone to amputation than other people. Amputation is a surgical procedure in which parts of the limb like foot, toe are removed due to injury, infection, surgery, and disease.
Top 9 Special Foot Care Tips for Diabetics
Diabetic feet problems require immense attention as sore heals increase the chances of infection.
Check Both Feet Daily
Look over both feet carefully daily, and be sure you check between all of the toes. Blisters and infections can begin between the toes, and with diabetic neuropathy, you may not feel them until they have become infected or irritated.
If a physical problem keeps you from checking your own feet, ask a friend to help.
Wash, Clean and Dry Properly
Diabetes foot care tips can be restricted through regular wash and cleaning. Many health conscious people most of the time skip proper washing of the feet in the shower. A clean foot ensures a healthy foot.
Don’t forget to clean between the toes and regular cleaning of toes also reduce the chances of infection. Inside the shoes, all the moisture and sweat help to increase the chances of bacterial infection. If you do not wash the feet regularly, it can cause foot odor, other skin problems, and fungal infections.
Choose Shoes Carefully
Select diabetic socks that fit loosely and positively change the socks every day. Carefully select the shoes that fit both feet and don’t cause blister or sores on the feet.
The patients suffering from foot ulcers should choose customized shoes that lower the risk of developing foot ulcers in the future.Proper selection of the shoes improves the step and also helps to lower the pressures on the feet.
Go for Regular Check-ups
One in five people with diabetes will develop serious foot problems that require serious medical treatment. Diabetes usually damages the nerves of the feet that reduce the ability to feel discomfort or pain.
The doctors should examine the changes in skin colour and also examine between the toes as many infections can start from there.
Use Moisturizer on feet
The dry foot skin can be cured through proper use of moisturizer. Regular wearing of sandals lowers the chances of foot problems. Cocoa shea butter cream is helpful in reducing the problems of dry foot skin. It is high in Vitamin E.
Vitamin E is the most important antioxidants that neutralize free radicals and immensely help prevent cellular damage from occurring. It also protects and repairs the skin.
Stop Smoking to Protect your Feet
If you have diabetes, it is immensely important to try to stop smoking. Smoking impairs the blood circulation, particularly in men and women with diabetes. It can seriously worsen the leg and foot problems.
Opt for Non-Impact Aerobics
Men and women with diabetes benefit from exercises, but you still must go easy on your feet. Many aerobics programs and fitness classes include jumping, bouncing, and leaping that may not be the best activities for the feet, especially if you have neuropathy.
Instead, look into the programs, like walking, which do not put too much pressure on the feet. Just make sure you have right shoes for whatever activity you choose.
Control Blood Sugar
There is an intimate relationship between the blood sugar level and damage to the nerve cells. Out-of-control blood sugar leads to neuropathy that will make it hard to know when the feet are at risk or being damaged.
The better you are at controlling the blood sugar, the healthier the feet will be over the long term. If one already has an infection, high blood sugar levels can make it difficult for the human body to fight it.
Consider Fitted Orthotics
A podiatrist can fit you with shoe inserts called orthotics to support the feet if you have diabetic nerve pain or the muscles have become weak from the nerve damage. If weakness or pain is so severe that it’s too painful or even impossible to walk, the foot brace or orthopedic shoes can help. A podiatrist is the best source for these devices.
Your feet are the source of independence. Give the feet a little tenderness, a little loving care, every day. And be sure to have the doctor take a good look at the feet during each of your diabetes checkups in case you have missed anything.