Why Proper Foot Care is Crucial for People with Diabetes
Understanding the Link Between Diabetes and Foot Health
by Jennifer Peterson, DNP, APRN, LMT, FNP-BC
Diabetes raises the glucose levels in the blood which can damage the nerves in the feet and legs causing diabetic peripheral neuropathy. With diabetic peripheral neuropathy, patients can lose feeling in their legs and feet, becoming unaware of any cuts, scrapes, or wounds that may occur. Patients with diabetes also tend to have difficulties with circulation. The damaged nerves plus the poor circulation can slow the healing of any wounds and lead to infection. Small cuts can quickly become serious infections. Therefore, it is vitally important that people with diabetes take extra care of their feet and maintain foot health.
How to keep your feet healthy
Here are a few tips to keeping your feet healthy:
Inspect your feet daily: Look for cuts, scrapes, blisters, redness, swelling, or nail problems. Use a mirror to look at the bottom of your feet if needed.
Bathe your feet in lukewarm water: Wash your feet daily. Avoid hot water which can cause blistering, especially if you cannot feel changes in temperature.
Moisturize daily: Do not moisturize between the toes as this can lead to a fungal infection.
Cut your nails carefully: Cut straight across and file the edges. Nails that are cut too short can lead to ingrown toenails.
Wear clean dry socks and change them daily.
Shake out your shoes and feel the insides before wearing: Small debris inside the shoe, if unfelt, can create beginnings of blisters and wounds.
Never walk barefoot: You could step on something and get a scratch or cut that could develop into something worse if you do not feel it or see it.
Don’t smoke: Smoking restricts blood flow.
Control your diabetes: Keep your glucose levels within goal range to minimize nerve damage lessen risks of infections
Get your feet examined regularly by a medical professional.
If you live with diabetes and discover a sore on your feet, contact your healthcare provider for further guidance. Sores left untreated can quickly become infected, leading to gangrene and amputation.
About the author
Dr. Jennifer Peterson, Nurse Practitioner, is the Director of Quality Assurance and Integration for GlyCare. She has years of experience managing diabetes for patients in the hospital and now trains other nurse practitioners to do the same. Dr. Peterson also ensures GlyCare provides high quality services for all patients through a quality review program she created.
References
American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. Diabetes Foot Care Guidelines. Foot Health Facts.
Learn more about partnering with GlyCare for a turn-key diabetes management service. For more information on how to incorporate either in-person or virtual diabetes management, contact us today.