Diabetes can be controlled, but it takes time and constant attention. I consider the feet to be the most ignored parts of the body in the care and management of diabetes; as a result it has been estimated that 15 percent of people who have been diagnosed for over five years will end up in the hospital with complications to the feet. The sad part is that many of these complications could have been avoided if they had been given the attention they deserved initially.
In order to reduce your risk of infection and amputation, I encourage you to incorporate these guidelines or tips in your foot care:
1) Always wear shoes and socks: Never walk indoors or outdoors without shoes as you could easily tread on something or stub your toes and get a cut. Wearing shoes alone, without socks or stockings, could result in blisters. Wear stockings or socks without elastic bands that create visible depressions in the skin and that could interfere with your circulation. Keep a pair of slippers by your bedside for when you get up, but make sure the soles and uppers are thick enough to protect you from anything you may step on.
2) Wear comfortable, well-made shoes: Wear shoes that are specifically designed for diabetic foot care. You may need to spend more but it is definitely worth purchasing shoes that fit well and protect your feet at the same time. Try to alternate two different pairs of shoes ever few days. If your shoes begin to thin in certain places, stop wearing them.
3) Wash Your Feet Daily: Wash your feet daily in warm, NOT hot water. Avoid soaking your feet for more than 3-4 minutes, even if you've been standing all day, because this could cause your skin to form cracks or sores. Macerated skin breaks down more easily and does not heal well. Take good care to dry your feet well and especially between your toes. Use a good-quality body lotion to keep your feet soft and smooth but do NOT put lotion between your toes. The areas between your toes are natural moisture traps and adding lotion between could create a number of problems.
4) Exercise your legs and feet regularly: Diabetic foot care involves doing whatever you can to increase circulation. When sitting you can keep your feet up to improve circulation. You can also rotate your ankles, wiggle your toes or move your legs up and down. Good circulation not only helps to avoid injury, but it also helps to speed healing.
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What methods do you use to control diabetes? Diabetes can be controlled effectively. I invite you to experience the benefits from the Report I've received effective guidelines from. This report has been extremely informative and helpful in keeping me on track with developing good eating habits and implementing a regular exercise program since I was diagnosed with pre-diabetes. I invite you to learn more by visiting http://www.saygoodbyetodiabetes.com.
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Shoes are a huge part of diabetic foot care. You need shoes that are to not to big and not to tight. You also need shoes that allow enough ventalization that your feet don't become to hot.
ReplyDeleteThanks for reading and adding your comments, Mike. They truly are a very important part of diabetic care.
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