Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes can be dangerous to your feet – even a small cut can produce serious consequences. Diabetes may cause nerve damage that takes away the feeling in your feet. Diabetes may also reduce blood flow to the feet, making it harder to heal an injury or resist infection. 

To avoid serious foot problems that could result in losing a toe, foot, or leg, follow these guidelines:

  • Inspect your feet daily. Check for cuts, blisters, redness, swelling, or nail problems


  • Wash your feet in lukewarm water. Use only lukewarm water – the temperature you would use on a new-born baby


  • Be gentle when bathing your feet. Wash them using a soft washcloth or sponge. Dry by blotting or patting, and carefully dry between the toes


  • Moisturize your feet – but not between your toes. Use a moisturizer daily to keep dry skin from itching or cracking

 

  • Cut nails carefully. Cut them straight across and file the edges. Don’t cut nails too short, as this could lead to ingrown toenails


  • Never treat corns or calluses yourself
  • Wear clean, dry socks, and change them daily


  • Avoid socks tight elastic bands or thick and bulky socks


  • Wear socks to bed


  • Shake out your shoes and feel the inside before wearing


  • Keep your feet warm and dry


  • Never walk barefoot. Always wear shoes or slippers to avoid small injuries


  • Keep your blood sugar levels under control


  • Don’t smoke. Smoking restricts blood flow in your feet


  • Get periodic foot exams
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