Diabetic Feet – Possible Problems and Care Guide

Diabetic Feet - Possible Problems and Care Guide
High blood sugar level in the body can cause serious problems of the nerves, kidneys, blood vessels,
heart, liver and eyes. Feet of diabetics are vulnerable to several serious conditions. It is very important to
be aware of the dangers that diabetics' feet are exposed to. Being in the know can help prevent several
foot problems.
Foot problems caused in diabetics
The major cause for diabetic feet problems is damage to nerves, which causes numbing in the feet called
diabetic neuropathy, reduced lubrication because of low oil production and low sweat secretion. So, skin
breaks and sores occur on the skin. Since wounds do not heal soon in diabetic patients, the sores become a
serious cause of concern.
Risk of infection is very high, more so because antibiotics supply to the affected area is restricted as a
result of damaged blood vessels and poor blood flow. Infection can enter the blood and spread to other
parts of the body, which could be deadly. Gangrene in the feet is another serious risk. Due to poor blood
and oxygen supply, tissues in feet die and become toxic. Gangrene is also a life threatening condition.
Foot care for diabetics
Serious foot problems can be controlled by following proper hygiene and foot care routine. Diabetics
must keep their feet dry because wet feet are infected more easily. After washing feet, dry them using soft
towel and pay special attention to gaps between toes. Diabetics should not use moisturizers or cold
creams in between toes. You can use talc, but in small quantities so that the powder does not clog in
between the gaps.
If you have a lot of dead skin on your feet, use a pumice stone to scrape it off. Do not use a metal scraper
or a blade because the risk of cutting or skin damage increases. Also, if you soak your feet before
scraping, soak only for a few minutes and add a few drops of antiseptic solutions to the water. Ensure that
you never add solutions which are acidic.
Carefully examine your feet for any small cuts, rashes, bruises and injuries. Redness is also a cause of
concern in diabetics. Treat the injury immediately.
Be careful while you cut your nails. Do not cut them too short. If you visit a salon for a pedicure, tell the
pedicurist about your diabetes so that he or she does not use metal instruments for treating the feet. A foot
massage is good because it stimulates nerves and aids blood circulation.
Choose your footwear well. Avoid shoes that make your feet sweat. Always use sweat absorbent socks.
Avoid nylon stockings. Choose shoes of the right size. If you suffer neuropathy, have the salesman in the
shoe store measure your feet and provide an appropriate shoe.
Good foot care can prevent a lot of undesirable repercussions of diabetes.
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