Feet first!

Diabetes foot care guidelines

The American Diabetes Association® says that diabetes increases a person’s risk for serious health problems. However, the ADA notes that with the correct treatment and lifestyle changes, it’s possible to prevent or delay the onset of such complications. One of the potential complications of the disease is danger to your feet—even a small cut can produce serious consequences. Diabetes may cause nerve damage that takes away the 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.

To avoid serious foot problems that could result in losing a toe, foot or leg, follow these guidelines.

s )NSPECT YOUR FEET DAILY #HECK FOR

cuts, blisters, redness, swelling or nail problems. Use a magnifying hand mirror to look at the bottom of your feet. Call your doctor if you notice anything.

s "ATHE 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.

s "E GENTLE WHEN BATHING YOUR FEET

Wash them using a soft washcloth or sponge. Dry by blotting or patting and carefully dry between the toes.

s -OISTURIZE 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.

s #UT NAILS CAREFULLY #UT 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.

s .EVER TREAT CORNS OR CALLUSES YOURSELF

No “bathroom surgery” or medicated pads. Visit your doctor for appropriate treatment.

s 7EAR CLEAN DRY SOCKS #HANGE THEM

daily.

s #ONSIDER SOCKS MADE SPECIlCALLY 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.

s 7EAR SOCKS TO BED )F YOUR FEET GET

cold at night, wear socks. Never use a heating pad or a hot water bottle.

s 3HAKE 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.

s +EEP YOUR FEET WARM AND DRY $ONT

let your feet get wet in snow or rain. Wear warm socks and shoes in winter.

s #ONSIDER USING AN ANTIPERSPIRANT ON

the soles of your feet. This is helpful if you have excessive sweating of the feet.

s .EVER WALK BAREFOOT .OT EVEN AT

home! Always wear shoes or slippers. You could step on something and get a scratch or cut.

s 4AKE CARE OF YOUR DIABETES +EEP YOUR

blood sugar levels under control.

s $O NOT SMOKE 3MOKING RESTRICTS

blood flow in your feet.

s 'ET PERIODIC FOOT EXAMS 3EEING YOUR

foot and ankle surgeon on a regular basis can help prevent the foot complications of diabetes.