by Brenda Segna

Created on: April 05, 2008

In order to understand diabetic foot care, we must first understand what diabetes is, this disease causes your blood sugar levels to be higher than normal. With time, high blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels and nerves in your body.
Diabetic neuropathy is the correct name for this nerve damage and the best description is a burning pain or loss of feeling in a part of your body. Also, damage to the blood vessels in your feet can result in your feet not receiving a good supply of blood.

People with diabetes often have trouble with their feet. Part of the problem is that the loss of feeling in your feet makes it hard for you to tell if you have a blister or sore. If little sores aren't taken care of, they can get worse and turn into ulcers (serious, deep sores). If these ulcers become infected, you may have to go to the hospital or, in very serious cases, have a foot amputated (removed). This handout will give you some tips on how to care for your feet.

If you are a diabetic, then you are more prone to foot problems than most people and you should know that some foot problems are so serious that they require amputation.

Good diabetic foot care and regularly examining your feet can help to catch any potential problems early.

Here are suggestions for diabetics on how to care for the feet and prevent injury, courtesy of the U.S. National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse:

Thoroughly wash your feet each day in warm - not hot - water. Make sure you dry them completely after washing.
Inspect your feet every day, looking for blisters, calluses, cuts, sores or any signs of redness.
For dry skin, apply lotion - but never between the toes.
Gently file down corns and calluses with a pumice stone after washing your feet.
Cut your toenails regularly, and file the edges with an emery board.
Avoid walking barefoot, make sure shoes fit well, and always wear socks or stockings with shoes.

You should examine your feet often as well as having your doctor or nurse check your feet when you go in for a checkup. If you are experiencing problems like a loss of feeling, sores or ingrown toenails, tell your doctor immediately.

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