Tips on Foot Care for Diabetic Patients

When you have diabetes, proper foot care is very important. Poor foot care with diabetes can lead to serious health problems, including possibly having to remove the foot or leg (amputation).

It’s important to understand the connection between diabetes and foot care. As a person with diabetes, you are more vulnerable to foot problems because diabetes can damage your nerves and reduce blood flow to your feet.

Why should I be so careful?
1. The presence of high blood glucose levels over a long period of time may result in damage to the body and to bodily functions.

2. Although it is uncertain how this process works, amongst diabetics it is relatively frequent.

3. A condition called diabetic neuropathy sometimes occurs over time.

4. Commonly, this manifests itself as peripheral neuropathy, and usually affects the sensory nerves in the legs.

5. If your nervous system is even slightly damaged, the extremities of the body can become numb.

Foot Care Tips
These tips should be followed daily to help maintain proper foot care:

 1. Wash and dry your feet carefully if you have Type 2 diabetes.

2. Washing your feet daily with a mild soap should be a daily habit. If you are in poor health, at least soak your feet daily in lukewarm water. Over the counter foot soaks are available and can be used if desired. Dry your feet carefully with a soft, clean towel. The feet should be dried thoroughly before soaks or shoes are worn.

3. Lukewarm water is recommended for washing and soaking your feet. Hot water, although it may feel more soothing, is harder on the skin than warmer water. Cold water actually decreases blood flow, and therefore is not recommended.