Daily foot exams | Feet washing | Toenails care | Trauma treatment | Heat and cold protection | Shoes and socks | Smoking
High blood glucose can cause nerve damage, which in turn can lead to loss of leg sensitivity. Therefore, people with diabetes are often prone to injuries and infections of the legs. Wounds can heal poorly and turn into leg ulcers, which, if not properly treated, can lead to amputation.
How to avoid possible problems
Follow these guidelines to keep your legs healthy in diabetes:
Daily foot exams:
- Inspect the feet, the sole of the feet, nails and the spaces between the toes;
- Pay attention to cuts or blisters, red dots, swelling and infection of the toenails.
Wash feet daily with room temperature water:
- Use a moisturizing soap;
- The water temperature should not be higher than 103° F (it is better to measure it with a water thermometer, as for bathing children). In addition, foot baths should not be long – it dries the skin and makes it more vulnerable;
- Wipe your feet with a soft towel, especially carefully – the spaces between the fingers;
- Remember to apply a moisturizer. However, do not rub it between the toes, where moisture promotes the growth of microorganisms.
To care for toenails:
- Treat nails with a file. This will allow not only to avoid trauma, but also to form a regular, horizontal edge of the nail, leaving its corners intact;
- Contact your doctor if you cannot see, reach, or feel your foot, or if your toenails grow into the skin.
In the event of wounds, blisters, irritation, cracking or keratinization of the skin, in no case do not try to use pumice, corn plaster or pads to remove corns.
- Seek help from a doctor;
- Use non-aggressive disinfectants followed by a sterile dressing.
Protect your feet from heat and cold:
- Avoid cold and hot compresses on the legs, as they may have reduced sensitivity.
Always wear comfortable shoes and socks:
- Never go barefoot, even at home;
- New shoes should sit well when purchased. Therefore, choose shoes in the evening, when the legs swell a little, and purchase the shoes that fit in all respects;
- Gradually wear new shoes, putting them on for 1-2 hours a day;
- Wear cotton or wool socks to keep your feet dry;
- Before putting on shoes, make sure that nothing will interfere with the inside of the foot. Check that the insole is smooth and that there are no objects in the shoe that could cause injury or irritation;
- Legs for diabetes require supportive, protective shoes: Avoid wearing sandals, shoes with an open heel or toes, and deformed shoes.
Stop smoking: tobacco reduces blood circulation in the legs, which can lead to complications.
The information is advisory in nature and cannot be considered as medical advice or replace it. Before you follow this or that recommendation, it is necessary to consult your doctor.