The Do’s and Don’ts of Diabetes
Diabetes Mellitus is a metabolic disorder with relative or absolute lack of insulin. Insulin is important for the body since it is necessary for converting sugar to energy. There are three types of diabetes:
- Type 1 diabetes: the pancreas produces very little or no insulin.
- Type 2 diabetes: the pancreas produces insufficient insulin or the body does not effectively utilize the insulin produced. This type is the more common.
- Gestational diabetes: this is a rare temporary condition that occurs during pregnancy.
Proper Diabetic Footcare: What You SHOULD and SHOULD NOT Do…
You should:
- Inspect feet daily for changes and breaks in skin. Redness, swelling, sores, bleeding, numbness or tingling all need to be addressed by a health professional.
- Wash feet daily with mild soap and water. Test the water temperature with elbow to avoid burns. Dry thoroughly especially between toes.
- Apply moisturizer to prevent cracks and dry damaged skin (not to be applied between toes).
- Always wear footwear to prevent trauma. Check inside the shoes every time you put them on since even a small stone or uneven insole can cause serious wounds.
- Utilize white cotton socks that are smooth with no rough seams. White socks will allow early detection of wound discharge or bleeding.
- Make sure toes nails are cut straight across and are even with the end of your toes.
You should not:
- Use heating pads, hot water bottles or thermal packs. Sensitive feet can be badly burned.
- Cut corns, calluses or ingrown nails. This can cause potential infections.
- Use medicated corn pads. They can cause ulcers in diabetic feet.
- Wear tight socks, garters, panty hose, shoes or any other clothing which restricts blood flow to your feet.
- Smoke. Tobacco impairs blood circulation.
Please spend a moment learning more about the importance of diabetic foot care and sharing it with someone you love. Book an appointment with your Chiropodist today! We love feet of all shapes and sizes.
