Steps for Healthy Feet

If you’re living with diabetes, it’s very important to take special care of your feet. Left untreated, or improperly managed, diabetes can result in a variety of complications, including heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, amputation, blindness, and impotence. Learn more about complications from diabetes from the Canadian Diabetes Association and follow these guidelines courtesy of the Canadian Association of Wound Care.

General Health

1. Control your blood glucose levels
2. If you smoke, quit
3. Exercise daily as directed by your healthcare professional

Caring for Your Feet

1. Look for signs of redness or blisters on your feet. This shows your shoe may not fit properly
2. Wash your feet daily. Dry well, especially between your toes. Apply a moisturizer to your feet but not between your toes
3. Do not soak your feet
4. If you are unable to reach your toes or do not have feeling in your feet, have a healthcare professional trim your toenails for you

Footwear

1. Shake out your shoes before you put them on
2. Wear shoes at all times, indoors and out
3. Buy shoes with closed toes as they protect your feet from injury
4. Change your socks every day
5. Buy shoes late in the day as feet tend to swell
6. Have your shoes professionally fitted by a footwear specialist

If you are living with diabetes, or know someone who is, watch this video, “Diabetic Foot Care with Kyle Goetti” to learn more about diabetes and the proper techniques for caring for feet. Then come talk to us for more information on living well with diabetes.