Dedicated to women's health and well-being

HerArticle

How to Prevent Diabetic Foot Complications

October 14, 2009 - 1:48pm 58 reads 1 comments

It’s really true what they say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. This is certainly true in the case of foot care for diabetics. Foot care for diabetics is very important.

High blood sugars may cause eventual problems with blood circulation and nerve damage (neuropathy). Both of these conditions cause loss of sensation in the lower extremities. As a result, individuals may have injured themselves and not know it until too late.

If an individual has diabetes, simple injuries to the foot can lead to more serious situations. It can be as simple as a blister or a cut which can lead to an ulcer or something life threatening, such as, gangrene. If the skin and underlying tissues are damaged enough, the only option is amputation. However, there are steps for prevention. Below are some suggestions for preventive foot care:

1. Examine the feet everyday for any changes – cuts, sores, or blisters. If you need assistance to check them thoroughly, use a mirror or ask for help from family or friends.

2. After you wash your feet, put lotion on them, but not between your toes.

3. After showering, use a pumice stone while feet are still moist.

4. Cut toenails as needed.

Add A New Comment

We value and respect the experiences of all of our HerWriters, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.

Start Asking & Sharing

Add A New Comment1 Comments

Dita Faulkner

I hope this article will help someone out there.

Log in

Are you a member? Log in first to track your posts

Not a member? Join us. Membership is not required to post.

More information about formatting options

We never share email addresses with third parties. Your email address will be used to notify you of activity on your post and send you our newsletter if you choose to sign up for it.
Verify that you are a human (not a computer):
This is necessary to prevent computer programs from automatically posting spam or other irrelevant content on EmpowHer.com. Enter the characters in the box to the left (case sensitive). Do not enter spaces between the characters.
Image CAPTCHA

What Do YOU Think? We want to know so we can help!

Poll
At what age should women start receiving mammograms?:
View Results

EmpowHer's Health Newsletter

The latest women's health news delivered to you each week

Health Events Search for health related events in your area

NextCare Flu Shot Clinic

Provided by NextCare Urgent Care

NextCare Urgent Care (www.nextcare.com) has announced that it will provide flu shots this fall at all its clinic locations including Arizona, Colorado, Texas, Georgia, Virginia and North Carolina for $25.

When:
December 8, 2009, 8:00am - 8:00pm
Where:
NextCare Urgent Care - Tucson - Pima/Wilmot
6238 East Pima St.
Tucson, AZ  85712