Diabetes is a chronic disease, affects our vessels and nerves especially our nerves in the feet if we have damage to our nerves, that takes away our feeling in your feet. Diabetes may also reduce blood flow to the feet, making it harder to heal an injury or resist infection. Because of these problems, you may not notice a foreign object in your shoe. As a result, you could develop a blister or a sore. This could lead to an infection or a non-healing wound that could put you at risk for an amputation.
What I have noticed in my clinical practice is most of the time physicians not paying attention to feet care, I believe many complications of diabetes can be prevented if we pay attention to these generation precautions regarding feet care.
Dr. Sarla Kumari
Specialist Physician & Diabetologist at Canadian Specialist Hospital
In my clinic, it is very important, on each visit, to check their feet, always emphasize these general precautions.
Inspect your feet daily:
Check for cuts, blisters, redness, swelling, or nail problems. Call your doctor if you notice anything.
Bathe feet in lukewarm, never hot, water:
Keep your feet clean by washing them daily. Use only lukewarm water—the temperature you would use on a newborn baby.
Be gentle when bathing your feet:
Wash them using a soft washcloth or sponge. Dry by blotting or patting and carefully dry between the toes.
Moisturize your feet but not between your toes:
Use a moisturizer daily to keep dry skin from itching or cracking. But don’t moisturize between the toes—that could encourage a fungal infection.
Cut nails carefully:
Cut them straight across and file the edges. Don’t cut nails too short, as this could lead to ingrown toenails. If you have concerns about your nails, consult your doctor.
Never treat corns or calluses yourself:
No “bathroom surgery” or medicated pads. Visit your doctor for appropriate treatment.
Use clean & dry socks
Wear clean, dry socks. Try cotton socks Change them daily.
Consider socks made specifically for patients living with diabetes:
These socks have extra cushioning, do not have elastic tops, are higher than the ankle, and are made from fibers that wick moisture away from the skin.
Wear socks to bed:
If your feet get cold at night, wear socks. Never use a heating pad or a hot water bottle.
Shake out your shoes and feel the inside before wearing:
Remember, your feet may not be able to feel a pebble or other foreign object, so always inspect your shoes before putting them on.
Keep your feet warm and dry:
Don’t let your feet get wet in snow or rain. Wear warm socks and shoes in winter.
Never walk barefoot:
Not even at home! Always wear shoes or slippers. You could step on something and get a scratch or cut.
Take care of your diabetes:
Keep your blood sugar levels under control.
