Diabetic foot care

If you have diabetes, taking care of your feet is very important. This article discusses how you can take care of your feet and when to see a doctor.

Diabetes causes reduced blood circulation in your feet and loss of sensation there. This is called peripheral neuropathy. This means that if you injure your foot in any way, it may not heal easily, and you may not even realize it.

Important information
If you keep your blood sugar under control, the risk of these complications will be greatly reduced. Also keep an eye on blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels, and keep them under control with medication if needed.

7 Simple Tips for Diabetic Foot Care

1. See a foot specialist at least once a year.
2. Always keep your feet clean and infection free.
3. Wear shoes that fit well, don't squeeze or rub. Wearing shoes that do not fit properly can lead to calluses, sores and nail problems.
4. Never walk barefoot, especially when walking in the garden or going to the beach on vacation. By doing this, you can avoid the risk of getting cut or injured.
5. Avoid sitting with your legs up, as sitting in this way can block the blood flow to your legs.
6. Trim nails regularly.
7. If the skin of the feet becomes hard, consult a doctor and treat it.

Quit smoking to save your feet

If you have diabetes, it is very important for you to quit smoking. Smoking restricts the circulation of blood in the body, the effect is more serious especially in those who have diabetes. Smoking can make any foot problem much more serious.

Want to quit smoking, but can't? Our video can help you reach your goals:

Eat nutritious food and keep active

Having diabetes requires you to follow a balanced, nutritious diet, as well as keep your body active. This will keep your diabetes under control. Following these tips will help reduce your risk of foot and ankle problems.

When to go to the doctor?

If your foot sores, blisters, or injuries do not heal easily, you should see a doctor.

You should see a doctor quickly in the following four cases:

1. If you notice that the skin on your leg is cut or broken, or that fluid is oozing from the wound,
2. If the skin on any part of the leg, or even the entire leg, changes color and becomes more red, blue, pale or black,
3. If the area where there was a blister or wound becomes more swollen,
4. Be careful around sores or ulcers, or areas that may be problematic if they become swollen or red.