Diabetes - Don't sugar coat it

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​​Do you know someone who suffers from Diabetes?  Do they have regular foot care check-ups in accordance with best practice for people with Diabetes?
 
Diabetes is a serious illness and if left uncontrolled, may cause nerve damage reducing the sensations in your feet.  It may also reduce blood flow to the feet which inhibits the healing of wounds and can allow infection to be introduced.
 
Good foot care guidelines would include

• Inspecting your feet daily where you can see changes before they become problems such as blisters, swelling or nail issues.
• Be gentle when bathing your feet; never use hot water and always dry between your toes.  If you cannot use a towel, use paper towel, it may be easier.
• Have your feet cared for, nail cutting, corn removal etc, with a fully qualified Foot Health Practitioner as wounds or cuts to your feet could lead to ulceration if left untreated.
• Wear socks and shoes made specifically for people living with Diabetes.  Gentle Grip socks that won’t create a “tourniquet” effect at your ankles and doesn’t have seams to irritate your toes.  Wider fit shoes will give your feet room in case of swelling, hammer toes and bunions – removing pressure points and making movement easier.
  

 
Having to alter the way you walk due to bad feet can also affect your other joints such as knees and hips and create pain in your lower back.  See Andrea Keenan at The Foot Care Centre for diabetic foot checks and any foot issues you may have.

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