The Importance of Foot Care for Diabetes

Diabetes causes high blood sugar levels, and over time, this can damage your blood vessels and nerves. If there is damage to the blood vessels in your feet, your body may not be able to get enough blood supply to them. This makes it harder to fight off infections. Damage to the nerves in your feet may prohibit you from feeling pain, otherwise known as diabetic neuropathy. A cut or sore on your foot could worsen because you don’t know it’s there. Having a sore or cut and not being able to feel that it’s there can be serious. If the sores aren’t treated they may turn into serious infections, or foot ulcers, and if not treated, and in extreme cases, amputation may be the only solution.

If I Have Diabetes am I at Risk?

Around 15% of diabetics will develop serious foot infections and about 19% (give or take 5%) of those will have amputations. Most of these cases occur in people who are over 65. You are at risk if you have a loss of sensation in your feet and have poor blood circulation in your feet and legs. Certain skin disorders and bone deformities can increase your risk like calluses, especially when there’s bleeding underneath, bunions and hammertoes. If you do not have good control of your blood sugar levels or have had complications with your eyes or kidneys, you are at risk. You are also considered to be at risk of you’ve had foot ulcers or an amputation before.

How Do I Prevent Diabetic Foot Problems?

The best way to prevent diabetic foot problems, along with other diabetic related problems, is to monitor your blood sugar levels regularly and keep them as close to normal as you can. Wash your feet daily with lukewarm water and mild soap, and be sure to dry your feel well and pat dry gently. It’s important to check your feet daily for any sores or cuts. You may even want to use a mirror to look at the bottoms of your feet. Don’t ever go barefoot. It’s best to wear close-toed comfortable shoes with padded socks. Don’t ever treat corns or calluses on your own; let your doctor take care of them. It is vital that you see a podiatrist at least once a year.