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People with diabetes
do have to be aware of possible complications of the disease. If
your blood sugar remains consistently high, there are two
complications that directly impact the feet. Although it is not true
that all people with diabetes end up having their foot or feet
amputated, these complications can be serious and every patient and
person with diabetes should know what precautions to take with
diabetes foot care.
Diabetes can damage
the nerves, especially in the extremities; this damage is called
diabetic neuropathy. With deadened nerves, the patient doesn’t feel
heat, cold or pain in his feet. He can easily step on something
sharp, cut himself and never know it. Poor circulation, another
result of diabetes, can adversely affect the body’s ability to heal.
Slow healing leads to a greater chance of infection and the wound
can become ulcerated.
Adding to these
problems are some of the other complications that result in diabetes
foot problems; for instance, kidney disease affects wound healing
and blurred vision or eye disease make it difficult to check the
foot for any scrapes or cuts that may get infected. Another factor
that may add to the complications is a patient’s weight. Some
morbidly obese people just cannot see the bottoms of their feet to
make daily inspections.
In order to avoid
the most serious repercussions of diabetes foot problems, people
with diabetes should follow some simple routines with their foot
care. First, make sure to keep your feet clean. Wear comfortable
socks, there are even diabetic socks available at medical supply
stores, and wear comfortable shoes. Both shoes and socks should be
made from natural materials that breathe and keep the feet dry and
should be loose enough to allow for good circulation. Take care when
trimming your toenails, cut straight across, not into the quick.
Check your feet daily for scrapes and cuts and see your doctor or a
podiatrist four times a year.
Just because you are
having trouble getting your diabetes under control doesn’t mean you
have to lose a foot to amputation. Proper and diligent diabetes foot
care can save you from further complications and save your feet.
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