Diabetes mellitus represents several diseases in which high blood glucose levels over a period of time can destroy nerves, kidneys, eyes, and blood vessels. Diabetes can also bring down the body's ability to protect itself against infection. When diabetes is not well maintained, by diet, exercise and proper foot wear, destruction to the organs and impairment of the immune system is likely. Foot problems commonly develop in people with diabetes and can quickly become serious.
- With damage to the nervous system, a person with diabetes may not be able to feel his or her feet properly, due to reduced sensation. Pressure and friction on the skin, bones, and joints of the foot during walking can lead to breakdown of the skin of the foot. Ulcers, corns and calluses may develop.
- Poor circulation and restrictions of the immune system from diabetes make it difficult to heal these wounds. Because of the poor blood flow, antibiotics cannot get to the site of the infection easily. Most often, the only treatment for this is amputation of the foot or leg. If the infection spreads to the blood-stream, this process can be life-threatening. Infection of the skin, connective tissues, muscles, and bones can then be present.
10 Important Steps for Patients with Diabetes
- Check your feet. Look for redness, swelling, broken skin, sores.
- Keep your feet clean. Wash your feet with soap and warm water every day! Make sure the water is only warm, not hot.
- Go soft on your skin. Apply moisturizer to your feet every day. Damaged skin leads to more problems.
- Where your feet are concerned, avoid the heat. Do not use a heating pad or hot water bottle on your feet for any reason.
- Listen to your doctor. Be sure to stay in contact with your podiatrist. Never use any medication on your feet unless you talk to your doctor first.
- Let your clothes stay loose. Stay away from girdles, garters, or other tight clothing that may restrict blood flow to your feet.
- Be careful with sharp instruments. Do not cut corns or calluses off your feet! This invites infection. Cut your toenails straight across and fairly short to avoid ingrown toenails.
- Maintain a proper diet. Lose weight if you need to as it will put less pressure on your feet and help you control your diabetes.
- Be kind to your feet. Before putting on your shoes, examine them to make sure there are no pebbles or rough surfaces inside. Also, check your socks.
- Kick the smoking habit. Smoking makes your blood circulation worse. Quitting may be the best health choice you ever make.
