Diabetes and your feet - all you need to know!

People with diabetes are prone to foot problems because the disease can cause damage to the blood vessels and nerves, which may result in decreased ability to sense a trauma to the foot. The immune system is also altered, so that the diabetic cannot efficiently fight infection.

Information

If you have diabetes you are more likely to have foot problems. Diabetes can damage your nerves (See: Diabetic neuropathy). This, in turn, may make you less able to feel an injury or pressure on the skin of your foot. You may not notice a foot injury until severe damage or infection develops.

Diabetes changes your body's ability to fight infections. Damage to blood vessels because of diabetes results in less blood and oxygen getting to your feet. Because of this, small sores or breaks in the skin may become deeper skin ulcers. The affected limb may need to be amputated when these skin ulcers do not improve, get larger, or go deeper into the skin.

If you have diabetes, you should:
• Improve control of your blood sugar
• Stop smoking
• Get a foot exam by your health care provider at least twice a year and learn whether you have nerve damage.
• Check and care for your feet every day, especially if you already have known nerve or blood vessel damage or current foot problems

DAILY CARE ROUTINE
Check your feet every day. Look carefully at the top, sides, soles, heels, and between the toes.

Wash your feet every day with lukewarm water and mild soap. Strong soaps may damage the skin.

• Test the temperature of the water with your elbows before putting your feet in warm or hot water. Because of your diabetes, you may not be able to sense if the water is too hot. Burns can easily occur.
• Gently and thoroughly dry your feet, particularly between your toes. Infections can develop in moist areas.
• Your feet may become very dry and may crack, possibly causing an infection. After bathing your feet, soften dry skin with lotion, petroleum jelly, lanolin, or oil. Do not put lotion between your toes.

Ask your health care provider if it is okay for you to trim your nails. If it is, ask your health care provider to show you the safest way. If your toenails are not trimmed correctly, you may get a foot sore or ulcer.

• Soak your feet in lukewarm water to soften your nails before trimming.
• Cut the nail straight across, because curved nails are more likely to become ingrown.

Avoid sitting with legs crossed or standing in one position for long periods of time.
If you smoke, stop. It decreases blood flow

- Check your feet every day. Look for cuts, sores, blisters, redness, calluses, or other possible injury or signs of excessive rubbing or pressure from shoes. Checking every day is even more important if you have nerve damage or poor blood flow. If you cannot bend over or pull your feet up to check them, use a mirror. If you cannot see well, ask someone else to check your feet. Contact your physician immediately if any of these signs are found.

MORE HELPFUL TIPS
• Do NOT use antiseptic solutions on your feet because these can burn and injure skin.
• Do NOT apply a heating pad or hot water bottle to your feet. Avoid hot pavement or hot sandy beaches.
• Remove shoes and socks during visits to your health care provider. This is a reminder that you need a foot exam.
• Do NOT treat corns or calluses yourself using over-the-counter remedies. Make an appointment with a podiatrist to treat foot problems.
• If obesity prevents you from being physically able to inspect your feet, ask a family member, neighbour, or visiting nurse to perform this important check.

Report sores or other changes to your doctor immediately. Report all blisters, bruises, cuts, sores, or areas of redness.

Hydrating Foot Cream: Suitable for Diabetics Diabecinn™ Feetcare is a deep hydrating foot cream that has been dermatologically tested on the skin of diabetics. It helps moisturise and therefore improve the elasticity and resistance of the skin, thus helping to prevent cracks and ulceration. Diabecinn™ Feetcare contains 10% urea which is a universally recommended hydrating agent. Why use Diabecinn™ Feetcare? * Specially formulated for dry and sensitive skin * Dermatologically tested on diabetics * Takes care of and hydrates feet * Contains almond- and wheat germ oil * Contains 10% urea which is a universally recommended hydrating agent to   hydrate feet and increase elasticity and resistance * Ph Neutral (5,5) * Quickly absorbed * Leaves no residue * Neutral scent

• Diabetes and Feetcare
Diabetics are especially prone to foot problems due to their condition. In fact, about 25% of diabetics will develop foot problems during their lifetime. Foot problems, such as ulceration and poor wound healing, are also the main cause of hospitalization among diabetics.

• Diabetic foot problems occur as follows:
1) High blood sugar reduces nerve sensitivity in the feet.
2) Sweat gland activity reduces because of nerve damage.
3) The skin becomes dry and cracked and prone to wound formation.
4) Wound detection is delayed due to impaired sensation.
5) Wound healing is poor due to poor circulation.

In severe cases gangrene may form and this can result in amputation.
Prevention is important. Diabetics are recommended to wash and dry their feet well, to keep their skin moisturised in order to prevent cracks and improve elasticity, to check their feet every day, and to wear comfortable shoes and socks.