Type 2 Diabetes - Diabetics Need to Protect Their Feet
Can you touch your toes? Can you see underneath both of your feet? The answer is probably "no" to both of these questions.
As a Type 2 diabetic, it's vital you check your feet as often as possible to ensure there are no cuts, scratches, bruises or anything else that may cause damage to them.
With the onset of Type 2 diabetes, you can no longer take your feet for granted.
This includes ingrown toenails or toenails that are sharp.
Do not cut your toenails too short or dig down the sides of your nails.
It can also be whether your feet are sufficiently moisturised.
It's very easy for them to become dry and cracked.
Use lotion to keep the skin soft: avoid putting moisturiser between your toes.
It's wise to be under the care of a podiatrist and to see them regularly.
The podiatrist has the right equipment to cut and trim your toenails especially when they have become thickened, "fix" in-grown nails and remove any build-up of gunk that may have accumulated around the nail edges.
Diabetics are more prone to developing sores that won't heal, infections and other problems.
If blisters occur, do not prick them.
If they burst, dress them as for minor cuts.
Your regular doctor can also check your feet if you have concerns.
Anybody can check your feet better than you can because they can view them from a better angle.
If you live with other people, you can always ask for their help.
However, this is no substitute for seeing a trained podiatrist.
People with diabetes spend more days in hospital with foot problems than any other complication.
High blood sugar can cause nerve damage and poor circulation in the legs and feet and can also desensitize your feet so you don't notice problems until it's too late.
Wounds often take much longer to heal and that can lead to further complications which may result in a hospital admission.
Even if you do not have any nerve damage and a good blood supply to your feet, you must take care of your feet.
Neuropathy is related to poor blood sugar control and high blood pressure.
Controlling both these readings can reduce your likelihood of developing it in the future.
Part of your foot care regime is to ensure the fitting of your shoes very carefully.
Make sure they are:
This ensures your feet will not be able to move within the shoe.
Your feet are as important as the rest of your body.
As a Type 2 diabetic, you need to care for your feet in order to lessen the chances of any complication.
As a Type 2 diabetic, it's vital you check your feet as often as possible to ensure there are no cuts, scratches, bruises or anything else that may cause damage to them.
With the onset of Type 2 diabetes, you can no longer take your feet for granted.
This includes ingrown toenails or toenails that are sharp.
Do not cut your toenails too short or dig down the sides of your nails.
It can also be whether your feet are sufficiently moisturised.
It's very easy for them to become dry and cracked.
Use lotion to keep the skin soft: avoid putting moisturiser between your toes.
It's wise to be under the care of a podiatrist and to see them regularly.
The podiatrist has the right equipment to cut and trim your toenails especially when they have become thickened, "fix" in-grown nails and remove any build-up of gunk that may have accumulated around the nail edges.
Diabetics are more prone to developing sores that won't heal, infections and other problems.
If blisters occur, do not prick them.
If they burst, dress them as for minor cuts.
Your regular doctor can also check your feet if you have concerns.
Anybody can check your feet better than you can because they can view them from a better angle.
If you live with other people, you can always ask for their help.
However, this is no substitute for seeing a trained podiatrist.
People with diabetes spend more days in hospital with foot problems than any other complication.
High blood sugar can cause nerve damage and poor circulation in the legs and feet and can also desensitize your feet so you don't notice problems until it's too late.
Wounds often take much longer to heal and that can lead to further complications which may result in a hospital admission.
Even if you do not have any nerve damage and a good blood supply to your feet, you must take care of your feet.
Neuropathy is related to poor blood sugar control and high blood pressure.
Controlling both these readings can reduce your likelihood of developing it in the future.
Part of your foot care regime is to ensure the fitting of your shoes very carefully.
Make sure they are:
- wider,
- deeper, and
- longer
This ensures your feet will not be able to move within the shoe.
Your feet are as important as the rest of your body.
As a Type 2 diabetic, you need to care for your feet in order to lessen the chances of any complication.
