Raised blood glucose levels can greatly damage different areas of your body including your feet. Diabetes affects vessels and circulation, meaning that skin, muscles and tissues receive less blood. It can also cause nerve damage, which can lead to a loss of sensation and an inability to feel pain, which is why diabetic foot care is so vital.
Feet are typically the first part of the body to be affected by poor circulation and nerve damage, and it can mean that cuts, burns and sores heal slowly and may become seriously infected. Diabetes UK, a British-based charity, estimates that there are around 135 leg, toe or foot amputations taking place each week—of which four out of five are preventable. Therefore it’s crucial for anyone with diabetes, whether that is Type 1 or 2, to keep a close eye on their feet and regularly attend foot check ups with a trained expert. Keeping blood sugar levels in check can reduce the risk of complications from diabetes-related issues, but there are also other steps you can take to keep your feet in top shape.
Diabetic Foot care tips
Diabetic foot care can be as easy as avoiding certain types of socks and stockings, and knowing who to call when you spot the signs of an oncoming problem. It might be a good idea to visit a private clinic at least once a year, and make sure you develop an open and trusting relationship with your doctor—being engaged in your own care, up to date on your condition and aware of your risk of developing serious foot problems can go a long way in keeping your health under control. Even though having constant contact with healthcare professionals is a must, a lot of the care can be done from the comfort of your own home. It is important that you check your feet every day, and look for signs of redness, infection, build-up of hard skin and changes in shape. Do not use any corn-removing plasters or sharp blades as they can damage healthy skin, and be wary of pointy object or stones when putting shoes on. Looking after your toenails is key, as is moisturising every day and wearing well-fitting shoes that support and protect your feet. If you are at higher risk of developing foot problems, make sure you are referred to specialist care—this can be in the form of a podiatrist or a foot protection service.
See also: Foot Ulcers in Diabetes
Prevention is key
Trying to prevent—rather than curing—wounds and foot ulcers can make the difference between an emergency trip to the hospital and a straightforward recovery. The easiest way to prevent diabetes-related foot problems is to simply eat a balanced diet. Diabetic foot care revolves around a healthy regime—that is low in saturated fat, sugar and salt, and is high in fruit and vegetables—will in turn also keep cholesterol, blood glucose levels and blood pressure in check. Attending all scheduled medical appointments is crucial, as is keeping on top of all the information you’re given about your condition, as that will stimulate a prompt reaction to unexpected wound exacerbations—make sure you develop a trusting relationship with your doctor. Whenever and wherever possible, trying to squeeze in any amount of physical activity is recommended; a simple, brisk walk can be a great start. Remember to contact your GP if you have any concerns—no matter how small—as waiting might result in irreversible damage to your feet, toes or legs.
Preventing Foot Problems
Diabetes gives you a lot to manage—looking after your feet needs to be high on the list.
Everyone with diabetes has a chance of developing a foot ulcer. 300 people every day get the news they have one. The facts are that half will not survive 5 years.
Foot ulcers are wounds that won’t heal, so cuts, blisters and skin breakdown are things you really want to avoid. Here are some tips:
• Never walk barefoot
• Check your shoes before you put them on for any stones or sharp objects
• Check your feet daily—tops and soles—looking for any changes in colour, blisters, sores or skin.
Remember that if you suffer from neuropathy, you can have a wound but not even be aware, so check the soles of your feet using a mirror. If you see anything new, visit your doctor. The NHS promotes annual foot checks so make sure you get yours done.
Your shoes should fit properly and if you have any of the ‘risk factors’—poor circulation, neuropathy (typically loss of sensation in the feet) or hard skin—you need to do everything to combat these factors. The most common cause of ulcers is excessive pressure on areas of the sole combined with poor circulation.
Liqua Care Flowgel Insoles have been clinically trialed by the NHS, are available on NHS prescription and are proven to significantly reduce your chances of developing an ulcer. They fit in ordinary footwear and by reducing the peak pressures on the sole of the foot and increasing circulation the results were considered ‘remarkable’.
Important
Be especially wary of loss of feeling in your feet—you may not immediately notice if you have a wound that needs attending to.
‘Touch the toes’ test
This quick and easy test involves briefly and lightly touching six toes—three on every foot—to find out how many toes are felt. The test, which was designed at Ipswich Hospital, can be done at home but it should by no means replace your annual foot review with a professional or specialist. If you feel the touch on all or five of the six toes, your sensation is normal and you are not at higher risk of developing a foot problem because of sensation. If you did not feel two or more of the toes touched, you are likely to have impaired or reduced sensation in your foot and may be at higher risk of a diabetic ulcer. In this case, visit your GP surgery or book an appointment with a specialist to have a full examination of your feet and will recommend the best diabetic foot care for you. According to Diabetes UK, in order to carry out this test correctly, each toe touch must be light and brief (one to two seconds long) and not be done more than once.
See also: Diabetes and Foot Care
If you have enjoyed reading this article on diabetic foot care, click here to read more on Celebrity Angels about wound care for feet and legs.
