How to take care of your feet if you have diabetes?

Why does diabetes affect the health of the legs and feet?

Diabetes occurs when blood sugar levels become considerably high. A healthy pancreas will release the hormone insulin to help the glucose or sugar in your blood reach your cells so that they can convert it into energy. However, when insulin production levels are none or very low, the sugar stays in the blood, and the high levels can damage the blood vessels causing a malfunction of the nerves.

Nerve damage is a complication known as diabetic neuropathy. Although nerve damage can develop in any part of your body, legs and feet are most frequently affected. When there is nerve damage, you may experience symptoms of numbness, tingling, or pain in your feet. Nerve damage can also affect your ability to feel pain or have sensations in your feet, meaning you may not be able to recognise if your feet are sore, hot or cold. This lack of sensation can make some conditions go unnoticed and, as a result, worsen pretty quickly.

Another complication derived from nerve damage is poor blood circulation. When your circulation is impeded, there is less blood supply reaching your feet which can cause foot problems. You may experience pain and cramps in your legs and feet, and your body may not be able to heal any cuts or wounds quickly because high blood sugar levels can weaken your immune system defences.

If foot problems are untreated, they can develop into severe conditions and lead to foot ulcers, infections and, at worst, amputations.

It is, therefore, critical that you develop a daily footcare routine to examine your feet and ensure you spot any abnormalities at the earliest stage to prevent complications.

What should be part of your regular foot care if you have diabetes?

Examine your feet thoroughly every day

You should look out for cuts, sores, blisters, corns, calluses, any signs of redness, swelling or any changes to the skin or nails. If you have difficulty reaching your feet, you can use a mirror to check the sole or ask a family member or healthcare professional to assist you.

Maintain a good foot hygiene

You must ensure that your feet are kept clean and in good condition. Give them a good wash in warm or hot water every day, without soaking them for a long time. When cleaned, dry them thoroughly and apply a good quality moisturiser to the top and soles, avoiding the in-between the toes area to prevent any infections from occurring.

Trim your nails carefully

Be careful when cutting your nails to prevent going into the skin, as any cuts can quickly become infected. Also, keep an eye out for any signs of ingrown toenails, and see your podiatrist regularly to help you stay on top of any abnormalities.

Avoid walking barefoot at all times

Even inside your home, you should always protect your feet by wearing socks or slippers to prevent any injury. In summer, in particular, wear sandals or open shoes that support your feet properly and cushion them from hitting pebbles or hard surfaces, which can lead to developing trauma.

Leave corns and calluses to your podiatrist

Because with diabetes, your body’s immune system’s ability to heal is lowered, you should avoid treating hard skin on your heels, corns and calluses at home. Some over-the-counter remedies can burn your skin, leading to developing infections.

Wear comfortable shoes that fit well Keep your blood flow moving You can improve your blood flow by introducing healthy habits to your lifestyle, including exercising regularly, going for long daily walks, quitting smoking, eating a healthy, well-balanced diet, avoiding wearing tight clothing and maintaining optimal body weight. Following your vascular foot assessment with a podiatrist, they will be able to further advise you on this.

If you have diabetes and would like to have your feet regularly checked for any abnormalities, you can register at our clinic here.

Undoubtedly, living with diabetes can present additional challenges to those brought by life itself. But it doesn’t mean you cannot lead a pretty normal lifestyle when those challenges are managed effectively.

If you have diabetes, you know how important it is to check your blood sugar levels, eat healthily, exercise, and take your prescribed medication daily. Unfortunately, examining your feet can often take a bit of a back seat with so many things to consider. However, taking daily care of your feet is a habit that can pay huge dividends in the long run, and this is why. Even the mildest foot problem has the potential to become serious when diabetes is present.

Neglecting your feet if you have diabetes can turn common foot problems into severe conditions that can result in amputation and adversely affect the quality of your life.