Why do diabetic people need to take care of their feet?

Many people think that managing diabetes means taking insulin to manage their blood sugar levels. While this is true and extremely imperative, there are other serious health precautions to take when managing diabetes. People with diabetes must pay careful attention to their feet to avoid developing serious wounds that could lead to amputation. This blog post will provide some pointers to help people with diabetes take care of their feet to keep them healthy.

What is Peripheral Neuropathy?

It is extremely important for people with diabetes to take good care of their feet. Over time, high blood sugar levels can injure the nerves in the legs and feet, also known as peripheral neuropathy. People can experience burning pain and sensitivity or they may lose all sensation so they cannot feel heat, cold or pain in their feet. Being pain free sounds appealing but people with neuropathy can seriously hurt their feet without knowing it. Small sores can quickly turn into serious foot infections and amputation may be required if gangrene develops.

Never walk barefoot, even at home

People with diabetes should always wear socks and closed-toe shoes or slippers to protect their feet from bumps, cuts and other injuries. It is very important to wear well-fitting shoes with socks to prevent blisters from forming on the feet, as these can also lead to serious infections. People with diabetes may want to consider having shoes fitted by a foot doctor (podiatrist) or other professional. Diabetics should check their feet every day for any cuts, red areas, swelling, corns, blisters, or irritation–this includes the top and bottom of each foot, as well as the ankle area.

Keep the feet clean

The feet should be gently washed every day and blotted dry with a soft towel. People with neuropathy may not be able to tell if the water is too hot so warm water is best. Lastly, people with diabetes should not soak their feet because waterlogged skin can break down and become infected.

Moisturizer

Moisturizer should be gently rubbed into the feet after washing in order to soften callused areas and soothe dry skin. Some moisturizers can provide relief from the burning pain associated with peripheral neuropathy. People with diabetes should avoid applying moisturizer between their toes because it will not dry and the damp skin can lead to a bacterial or yeast infection. Foot Miracle Therapeutic Cream is quickly absorbed into the skin so that it never feels sticky or greasy.

Socks

People with diabetes should wear socks that are specially designed to keep the feet dry, reduce the risk of injury, and promote blood circulation. Diabetic socks are made without seams across the toe in order to reduce rubbing that could lead to blisters.The top bindings must be soft so that they do not restrict blood flow to the feet. Dr. Comfort Diabetic Socks contain nano bamboo charcoal fibers that wick moisture away to help control odor and keep the feet dry.

Diabetic patients have a lot to consider with their condition, but it can be made easy with all of the correct precautions. They should always wear socks and shoes or slippers to protect their feet and never walk barefoot. Foot checks, cleaning and moisturizing should be part of the daily routine. People with sweaty feet or poor circulation should wear diabetic socks. Any kind of foot problems like corns, calluses or ingrown toenails should be treated by a podiatrist. Daily foot care is essential for people with diabetes to protect the feet and help reduce the risk of complications.

HomeCare Hospital Beds is ready to help people with diabetes stay healthy with diabetic testing supplies to help people keep their blood sugar levels within normal limits. Foot Miracle moisturizing cream and Dr. Comfort diabetic socks are also available. People should always check with their doctor before purchasing diabetes supplies.

**The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. If you are having a severe and sudden change in physical or mental health, please call 911, contact a local emergency facility or consult with your doctor. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider, and never disregard the advice given because of information you have received from our website.**