Diabetes and Caring For Your Feet

Diabetes and Caring For Your Feet

Diabetes and Caring For Your Feet

When first diagnosed with diabetes it is vital to visit a podiatrist regularly and to check your feet every day. Diabetes increases the body's vulnerability to infection. It affects the secretion of sweat and oil production resulting in very dry uncomfortable skin conditions.

This can all lead to extra pressure on the skin when walking and the skin can become weakened and possible break down over joints and bones. Sore areas can quickly develop. Due to problems with the blood supply to the area and the fact that the body is unable to fight infection efficiently the wounds will not heal. New, properly fitting footwear is important as if present footwear is causing blisters, corns or calluses this can lead to diabetic foot problems.

People with longstanding or poorly controlled diabetes are at risk of damage to the nerves in their feet. This is known as peripheral neuropathy. Because of this the patient may not be able to feel their feet properly and be unaware if their shoes are rubbing or is they have a foot strain. A person with diabetes may not be able to properly sense minor injuries such as cuts and blisters and may not even feel a stone in their shoe.

If neglected, an unobserved infection can occur and, if left untreated, can lead to a more serious bacterial infection which needs to be treated immediately. In some cases, if a bacterial infection is present and penetrates to muscles and bones, gangrene can occur. Antibiotics may not work efficiently at this stage as they cannot get to the area is the blood supply is impaired. To stop the infection entering the bloodstream amputation may be the only answer. 5,000 people in the UK have an amputation each year due to diabetes.

Any circulatory problems should be addressed as diabetes can lead to hardening of the arteries.

It is imperative therefore, in the light of all the problems which can occur with diabetes that general foot health is optimum.

SELF TREATMENT

Examine your own feet daily to note any changes either from shoes or other damage.

Moisturise the skin avoiding the area between the toes.

Wear loose fitting cotton/wool socks (no man made fibres) so that circulation is not disrupted.

Cut nails straight and avoid cutting them too short or down the sides. If there is a problem with sight it may be advisable to seek a HPC registered Chiropodist/Podiatrist.

Exercise regularly to help keep bones, legs and feet circulation healthy and to help normalise blood sugar levels.

Stop smoking as this damages vital blook vessels and causes problems with circulation.

It is advisable to have a regular foot health check from a health professional.

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