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A long time ago when I was not a diabetic, I ran into a man at the mall who had an amputated leg. In our conversation he told me he was a diabetic and his leg was amputated due to complications. I had heard about diabetic complications by that time, but I just never took time to think about them because that was not my problem then. How was I to know someday I would be in a situation where I would have to constantly be cautious about infections, amputations, heart disease, diet, exercise, foot care, skin care, etc?
After 20 some years, I still remember him. And when I think about him, I think about millions of others who are in the same situations. Diabetes is called a silent killer for a reason. It affects every body organ in different ways. Only a percentage of the world's population is aware of diabetic complications. Up until 20 years ago diabetes was believed to be a harmless disease which is reversible with proper medicines, diet and exercise. People overlooked long term effects of this disease because it is not as fast spreading as cancers or other diseases. Recent efforts to raise diabetic awareness by world health organizations and the American Diabetic Association brought to light many minor complications that could be prevented by basic care and caution. Foot care is one such aspect of the total diabetic care which can be maintained by anyone .
Diabetes affects a person's feet because of several reasons:
1. Negligence in personal hygiene.
2. Out of control blood sugars.
3. Improper use of foot wear.
4. Poor blood circulation with long term diabetes.
5. Nerve damage.
6. Weather conditions.
7. Dehydration.
8. Improper diet and exercise.
1. Amputations caused by poor hygiene are most common in diabetics.Because of their orientation in anatomy feet are the most neglected of a human body . Simple tasks such as washing feet with lukewarm water and paying attention to the areas in between toes can prevent infections. Soaking feet in water for long time is not recommended for diabetics as there is always a chance of fungal growth. Nails should be filed every two weeks and feet should be checked regularly for any cuts or scratches. A moisturizing lotion should be applied after every wash. Lotions are not recommended to be applied in between the toes as they could retain moisture causing infection. Clean socks should be worn every day. Cotton socks should be considered as they absorb sweat and keep the feet dry. If possible having a foot massage by a professional diabetic clinician is helpful. Most insurances cover clinical foot massages now. Taking one's own set of nail files and other foot care accessories will help prevent spread of germs.
2. Controlling blood sugars is extremely important for a diabetic as out of control sugars could lead to damage to the skin, nerves and poor blood circulation.
3. Most people wear footwear as a fashion statement. Proper attention needs to be paid when choosing a shoe or sandal size as it affects the blood circulation. Walking shoes must be changed every six months once as they stretch and cause distortion in footsteps.
4. Chronic diabetes causes capillaries on the skin surface to break or block the blood supply. Poor circulation leads to lack of senses and oxygen supply in the feet. One can prevent this situation with proper exercise of the feet, diet, and medications.
5. Nerve damage resulting from poor sugar controls could lead to long term complications and amputations. Minor cuts and scrapes cannot be felt and could lead to infections. Regular check ups with the podiatrist will help prevent diabetic neuropathy.
6. Weather conditions could cause damage to the feet and surrounding tissues with extreme heat or cold. Proper foot wear must be considered while outdoors. Feet should be checked for dryness, blisters, and insect bites. In winter days a quick warm water soak and a moisturizing lotion would help. Diabetics should never walk without proper shoes on in or out of house.
7. Dehydration occurs when a person loses moisture in the body. Extremely high blood sugars in the body cause dehydration as it tries to accommodate more fluids to process sugars in the blood. Drinking plenty of water will help in controlling appetite as well as balancing moisture levels. Dehydration caused by extreme heat should be addressed with drinks that have electrolytes and moderate in-house temperature settings. Sodas, sugars, and salty foods should be avoided. Use of heaters in winters drains the body out of moisture leading to dehydration. Care should be taken when using heaters and real hot water baths in winters. Lukewarm water for baths is the best method of avoiding dehydration in all kinds of weather. Pay special attention to cuts and scrapes on dry skin, especially on the soles of the feet.
8. Diet and exercise are the most important part of anyone's life as they balance the body's metabolism. Diabetics should consider the intake of multivitamins on a daily basis in order to boost the immune system. Massaging feet with lotions containing vitamin E, warm coconut oil, or olive oil helped me out in warm or cold weather with my feet. Oatmeal soaked in warm water and applied helped me keep my feet soft.
Simple measures in taking care of the feet could prevent long term consequences and lead to happy feet for diabetics because our life matters.
Add a Comment3 Comments
mia lioness 111 and i am new to all this. i found this article very informative and very well written . i also having to get used to my new computer. would someone please tell me how to type on my profile page . i will be forever grateful. thank you!!!!
March 14, 2010 - 10:28pmThis Comment
Hi lioness111 - I hope you're having fun getting used to your new computer. Here is how to fill out your profile page. When you sign into the website you will see a section in the upper left corner that says "My EmpowHer" and your name. Click on the tab that says "My Account Settings" and you will see more tabs. Go to the one that says "Personal Information" and add information about yourself. You can also go to the one that says "Manage My Conditions' and use that one to list the health conditions you have, if you choose to do so. Hope that helps! Pat
March 15, 2010 - 6:53pmThis Comment
PAT, I WILL BE FOREVER GRATFULL TO YOU FOR YOUR INSTRUCTIONS TO TYPE ON MY PROFILE. I ALSO
March 15, 2010 - 10:43pmWANT TO TELL YOU THAT I HAVE LEARNED THAT YOU HIT ENTER TO MOVE TO THE NEXT LINE. I WILL
SEEN THE THORACIC SURGEON ON APRIL 8TH. HE WILL TELL ME WHETHER I WILL HAVE A WEDGE
RECECTION OR A LOBECTOMY, AND WHEN IT WILL BE DONE.
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