How to Care for your feet if your are diabetic
Nerve damage,
circulation problems, and infections can lead to serious foot problems if you
have diabetes. However, there are precautions you can take to maintain healthy
feet.
Good management of
your diabetes and an overall healthy lifestyle helps to keep this disease under
control. This should include regular monitoring of blood sugar, regular
exercise, a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and regular medical
exams. People with diabetes should also avoid sitting with crossed legs or
standing in one position for a long time.
You can help
prevent serious complications involving your feet by following a good foot care
regimen.
Daily Foot Care
There
are a few habits you should adopt and try to do every day:
Check your feet and toes , inspecting the top, sides, soles,
heels and the area in between the toes. Contact your doctor immediately if you
discover any sores, redness, cuts, blisters or bruises.
Wash your feet every day in warm water with mild soap. Hot water
and harsh soaps can damage your skin. Check the water temperature with your
fingers or elbow before putting your feet in because your diabetes may make it
difficult to sense water temperature with your feet.
Dry your feet
thoroughly and gently. Infections tend to develop in moist areas, so make sure
you dry the area between your toes well.
If the skin on your
feet feels rough or dry, use lotion or oil. Do not use lotion between your toes
if you have sores there.
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