Foot Care in Diabetes

Putting Your Best Foot Forward in Diabetes

Question:

Do you know the MOST COMMON REASON FOR HOSPITAL ADMISSIONS AMONG PEOPLE WITH DIABETES?

Answer: FOOT PROBLEMS

Yes, most people suffering from diabetes visit the hospital when foot problem starts affecting their quality of life. It is very clear that the footwear you choose plays a very important role in fighting this disease. Any loss of feeling, joint motions, foot deformities such as flat feet, claw toes, risk of ulceration and amputation etc. should be considered when choosing right footwear. So where do you wish to start with? How, about checking this quick list:

• Choose a good shoe -  It helps in proving the healing time for foot ulcers and also reduces the risk of re-ulceration
• Your footwear shouldn't be tight while walking
• Your footwear should be comfortable - Ensure that toes are free to move and there is space for your feet to breathe
• Your footwear should provide adequate support to the ankle
• Avoid high heels - Heel height of 1 inch or less is ideal. 
• Having your shoe’s tongue to be foam padded, helps in increased comfort
• Since your both feet are not identical, it is always advisable to try each shoe individually 
• Your footwear’s outer sole should be tough and the inner sole should be smooth
• The front part of your footwear should be wide, it helps in having space in between fingers and eventually helping us to avoid fungal infections
• Always try to wear cotton socks with your shoes/ sandals to reduce friction between foot & footwear
• Don’t walk barefoot even when you are indoor
• People suffering from diabetic neuropathy, footwear should be purchased in the evening, as during evening the foot is enlarged and swollen up as compared to the size in morning. This way you can avoid buying tight footwear
• Avoid shoes which has toe straps, metal eyelets and wavy shapes
• Always wash your feet with warm water and then dry them well after washing
• Stop Smoking! If you are a smoker smoking further increases the risk of poor blood circulation

It is observed that, most people unknowingly tend to wear ill-fitting shoes, but the ill effects of wearing an incorrect shoes size is a matter of concern for people suffering from diabetes. A simple blister can mark the starting of a serious problem. A number of   different kinds of foot problems that can occur in people with diabetes include bunions, corns, calluses, hammertoes, fungal infections, dryness of the skin, and ingrown toenails.

Why exactly Diabetes affects the Feet?

Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes causes damage to blood vessels and peripheral nerves that can result in problems in the legs and feet. Two main conditions responsible for the increased risk of foot problems in people with diabetes are: 

• Peripheral artery disease (PAD) means that there is narrowing or occlusion by atherosclerotic plaques of arteries outside of the heart and brain. Diabetes is a known risk factor for developing PAD. The signs and symptoms of PAD relate to a decreased delivery of oxygen to the lower legs and feet. In severe cases, the lack of oxygen delivery to tissues can result in ulcers and even tissue death.

• Peripheral neuropathy refers to damage to the peripheral nerves directly as a result of diabetes. Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy include decreased sensation in the nerves of the legs and feet, making it difficult to perceive injuries due to lack of feeling. It can also cause the muscles of the feet to work improperly, leading to misalignment of the foot that can put pressure on certain areas of the foot.

It's Better to Be Safe than Sorry.

Visit www.Grass-Diabetes.com to know your risk of diabetes.

While we write these articles to spread awareness and get connected with people seeking their queries for diabetes, most often we start pondering that what problems are most prevalent for people suffering from diabetes. Issues like, Sex, Stress, Heart stroke, foot care etc. are a few concerns which affects the life of a diabetic patients.

Lately, we have been thinking that as a diabetes management professionals providing prognostic report on the risk of Type 2 diabetes for non-diabetic people, why do we keep writing articles for issues concerning those who are suffering from diabetes? Well, than we found that the situations here were difficult to answer once you have acquired the disease due to your lack of understanding. Our intention is not to scare you but present the facts of diabetes and help you to strengthen your determination against diabetes.

Singhal Diabetic Clinic - A trusted name in diabetes prevention. Serving over two decades.

Over two decades of our services to diabetic patients through Singhal Diabetic Clinic located at Haridwar, has made us thinking of the health status of current generation. Today’s lifestyle clubbed with your genetic composition i.e. your family’s history of diabetes, the threat of diabetes will be one of the major concerns. As the old saying goes, prevention is better than cure, your knowledge towards your own body and the lifestyle you chose determines your future. You are welcome to explore and know more about your risk of diabetes by getting your personalized report on the risk of diabetes because of your genes and lifestyle. Visit us at www.Grass-Diabetes.com

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If you have any queries, feel free to contact us:

Yours,

Dr. M Singhal

Phone: +91-1334-224625 | Mobile: +91-9837178358

Email: doctor@grass-diabetes.com | Visit: Grass-Diabetes.com