Diabetes: Foot Care for Diabetics

Why is it important to take care of the feet?

Diabetes causes blood sugar to be higher than normal. High blood sugar level over the course of time can damage blood vessels, nerves of the feet. These may lead to feet problems. Nerve damage decreases the ability to feel pain, heat or cold, pressure etc. This makes it harder to know when the foot is injured. Damage blood vessels leads to poor or decreased blood flow to the feet, making it difficult for the feet to get the oxygen and nutrients they need. Once there is a foot infection, it can be difficult to heal because antibiotics cannot reach the affected area because of poor blood supply. So, it is very important to take care of your feet, else at times it may lead to serious implications - even to the extent of amputation. People with type 1 diabetes for at least five years should have their feet examined at least once a year. People with type 2 diabetes should have their feet examined once per year.

How to Care for Your Feet

1. Check your feet everyday: Check at the bottom and between your toes. Look for cuts, calluses, scratches, blisters, bruises, swelling, rashes and color changes. If you notice any of these, treat it promptly.

2. Wash you feet everyday: This should be done with lukewarm water and mild soap. Wash gently between the toes and around the toenails. Dry your feet gently with a soft towel, making sure to gently pat-dry the area between the toes.

3. Clipping or filing toenails: Always file or clip toenails after washing and drying the feet because nails are softer at that time. Clip the toenails straight across using a toenail clipper, never cutting or digging into the corners of the nail which could lead to an ingrown toenail. Make sure not to cut toenails shorter than the ends of the toes.

4. Do not tear off or cut dead skin: Completely avoid cutting dead skin around the calluses. Do not apply corn pads, wart removers or corn removers.

5. Take care of dry or sweaty skin: Apply lotion if the skin is dry, making sure not to put lotion between toes. Apply mild feet powder if the feet are sweaty, dusting off excess powder.