No doubt you have heard the scary stories; intense nerve pain or the loss of a toe, perhaps worse. Serious foot problems are common for diabetics, but not inevitable. Good blood glucose management and foot care today can make a big difference in the long run.

There are two ways diabetes can attack your feet. For one, the disease can cause nerve damage or diabetic neuropathy. The condition causes tingling, pain, and loss of feeling. If you cannot feel blisters forming or other irritations, sores can develop and sores can become infected. 

Additionally, diabetes can decrease the blood flow in your feet.

Lower blood flow can make it difficult for sores and infections to heal. The result could be gangrene, foot ulcers, and, at the very worst, amputation.

There is certainly plenty of motivation to step up your foot care today. Where do you start?

• Catch issues early. Take a good look at your feet, every day. If you cannot do this on your own, use a mirror or ask for help.
• Wash your feet daily and when you are done, dry them thoroughly. Use some powder between your toes to keep the skin dry if needed. Dry skin prevents infection but soaking your feet can make your skin too dry.
• Trim your toenails straight across and use a file or emery board to smooth the edges. The goal is to keep your nails from growing into your skin. Smooth corns and calluses gently, no cutting or chemicals. Be careful about pedicures in the salon. It is important to be picky about sanitizing standards and consider bringing your tools. If you cannot trim your nails, don’t be embarrassed, get help. A foot doctor can regularly do this for you.
• Take your shoe shopping seriously. Avoid high heels, pointed toes, plastic, or vinyl. Your feet need to breathe, and your toes require space. Find shoes your feet can feel good in all day long.
• Keep the circulation going in your feet. Wiggle your toes through the day and put your feet up when you are seated.
• Physical activity is essential, too.

Our feet are amazing, and it is easy to take them for granted. But with a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes, you really need to give your feet more TLC. It is worth the effort. Good diabetes care equals good self-care, and that will lead to great overall health and well-being.

RJB

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