People with diabetes are up to 25 times more likely to need food amputation than the general population. The reason is that they experienced decreased sensations and blood flow to the lower extremities. Here are some ideas on how to take care of your feet if you have diabetes.
Keep Your Feet Clean
If you have diabetes, then you should wash your feet every day. Then, pat them dry. Pay special attention to get all the moisture out from between your toes. Apply moisture to the top and bottom of your feet, but make sure to not get any between your toes because it may not get absorbed. If you notice that your feet are sweating, then you may need to rewash them throughout the day.
Choose Good Shoes
It is especially important to wear shoes that fit well when you have diabetes. Many find that they need special inserts to help their shoes fit properly. The great news is that many insurance plans will buy one pair of shoes for a person with diabetes every year. Never go barefoot because the risk of getting cut is too high.
Get Moving
People with diabetes need to participate in a regular fitness routine. Moving regularly can help promote blood flow to the foot. Additionally, exercising regularly can help you keep your blood sugar levels under control. If you need motivation, then consider using a fitness app for encouragement. Consider finding an accountability partner to exercise with regularly.
See Your Doctor
Most foot issues start out small and get bigger. Make sure to examine your feet on a regular basis. Pay attention to the bottom of your feet. Use a mirror or have a friend check them for you if you have trouble seeing the bottom of your feet. If you see any cuts, scrapes or other signs of problems, seek medical attention soon.
Quit Smoking
If you have diabetes, then it is very important that you do not smoke. Blood circulation problems become exacerbated when a person smokes, so it is more likely to get a wound on your foot. If you need help quitting smoking, then talk to your doctor. They can help you figure out the right course of action.
If you have diabetes, then you need to take care of your feet. See a professional, like Jere A. Scola, about any wounds that you notice on your feet. After all, you do not want to have to get them amputated because you failed to act quickly.