Diabetic Foot Care
High blood glucose levels over time can damage the nerves, kidneys, eyes, and blood vessels. With damage to the nervous system, a person with diabetes may not be able to feel his or her feet properly. Normal sweat secretion and oil production that lubricates the skin of the foot is impaired. These factors together can lead to abnormal pressure on the skin, bones, and joints of the foot during walking and can lead to the breakdown of the skin of the foot. Pressure ulcers may develop.
High blood glucose levels over time can damage the nerves, kidneys, eyes, and blood vessels. With damage to the nervous system, a person with diabetes may not be able to feel his or her feet properly. Normal sweat secretion and oil production that lubricates the skin of the foot is impaired. These factors together can lead to abnormal pressure on the skin, bones, and joints of the foot during walking and can lead to the breakdown of the skin of the foot. Pressure ulcers may develop.
Treatment
• Examine your feet daily and also after any trauma, no matter how minor, to your feet. Report any abnormalities to your chiropodist. Use a water-based moisturizer every day (but not between your toes) to prevent dry skin and cracking. Wear cotton or wool socks. Avoid elastic socks and hosiery because they may impair circulation.
• Wear sturdy, comfortable shoes whenever feasible to protect your feet. To be sure your shoes fit properly, ask our chiropodists for fitting recommendations or shop at shoe stores specializing in fitting people with diabetes.
• Examine your feet daily and also after any trauma, no matter how minor, to your feet. Report any abnormalities to your chiropodist. Use a water-based moisturizer every day (but not between your toes) to prevent dry skin and cracking. Wear cotton or wool socks. Avoid elastic socks and hosiery because they may impair circulation.
• Wear sturdy, comfortable shoes whenever feasible to protect your feet. To be sure your shoes fit properly, ask our chiropodists for fitting recommendations or shop at shoe stores specializing in fitting people with diabetes.
