HOW CAN DIABETES HURT MY FEET?
NERVE DAMAGE • This is called diabetic neuropathy • It is damage to the nerves in your feet and legs
POOR BLOOD CIRCULATION • Blood is able to reach the feet but damaged veins cannot get the blood back out – blood “pools” in the feet • Fresh oxygenated blood cannot flow to that area
Smoking makes blood flow problems MUCH WORSE!!
Peripheral vascular disease starts when you become diabetic so Keeping sugar levels constant is VITAL
GET YOUR LEGS MOVING Walking is a great way to encourage blood circulation to your legs
CONTROL YOUR WEIGHT Shedding excess kg’s takes pressure off your veins
Wear comfortable closed shoes Avoid high heels Low heels work calf muscles Do not wear “slops”
Elevate your legs. Take short breaks throughout the day to lift your legs above the level of your heart Do not sit with your legs crossed
WEAR DIABETIC SOCKS or…… cotton / wool / synthetic blend NO knee-high stockings or socks that are too tight below your knee
CHECK YOUR BLOOD SUGAR LEVELS REGULARLY
Check your feet every day for swelling or abrasions If you cannot check under your feet use a mirror
Wash your feet every day and dry carefully between your toes Never use “communal” foot baths Make sure your foot hygiene is of a HIGH standard – no “toe jam”
Cut toenails straight-ish across the top then file the edges round Cut toenails after a bath when they are soft Use a GOOD cream on your feet every day
PLEASE check inside your shoes before putting them on
FOOT PROBLEMS • Corns – Thick layers of skin caused by too much rubbing or pressure on the toes • Calluses – Also caused by constant rubbing or pressure • Blisters – Form if shoes always rub the same spot • Ingrown toenails – The edge of a nail grows into the skin
• Hammertoes – Form when a foot muscle gets weak & the tendons shorten – can run in families • Dry cracked skin – The nerves in your legs and feet do not get the message to keep the skin soft and moist • Athletes foot – A fungus which is fed by high blood sugar • Bunions – Your big toe slants towards your other toes – may be hereditary
DIABETIC FOOT ULCERS
CHECK YOUR BLOOD SUGAR LEVELS REGULARLY
WHEN YOU SEE YOUR DOCTOR • Tell him immediately if you are having any foot problems • Take off your shoes and ask him to look at your feet at EVERY check-up • Ask him to check how well the nerves in your feet sense feeling • Ask him to check how well blood is flowing to your legs and feet • VISIT THE PODIATRIST AT LEAST ONCE A YEAR
Your feet are precious Look after them!!
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