Diabetic Alert: Good Foot Care Can Be a Life or Death Issue

Gangrene, a scary situation for any Diabetic. Loss of a foot can mean a rapid down hill slide in your health. Decreased mobility will rapidly affect your blood sugar, causing it to spiral out of control. Without exercise your metabolism slows even further. All caused from a simple ingrown toenail. Absolutely a situation that may have been prevented.

Diabetics are more likely to suffer foot problems because of reduced circulation to their lower legs and feet due to peripheral vascular disease. With less oxygen and nutrition being supplied to the feet minor cuts or blisters won't heal quickly increasing the possibility of complications.

Diabetic Neuropathy is the loss of sensation to the feet and lower legs. If you feel no pain you will be unaware of a minor cut or injury. Left unattended it may not heal due to the reduced supply of oxygen and nutrients. The end result can quickly lead to Gangrene and the loss of the foot to amputation

After your mobility is gone, with the loss of a foot your health continues down hill fast. With increasing blood sugar levels, your kidneys can't handle the strain. Dialysis may replace your failed kidney function. Just when you think things can't get worse, heart attack or stroke.

What can you do to prevent this scenario from taking your life? Daily foot maintenance and inspections. Catch the small problems before they get the chance to grow into something more sinister.

Winter is hard on your feet, dry skin builds up as callouses on your heels and sides of your big toes. These rough skin areas are at a high risk of cracking or bleeding as the affected areas have lost their flexibility. Emery blocks or pads can safely smooth down these areas. Like sanding a piece of wood, you can return your feet to a smooth surface. As a secondary benefit this will also save your socks. Rough skin on the bottom of your heels will wear the heel out of a pair of socks in no time at all.