According to Diabetes Canada, over one third of Canada’s population is living with diabetes or prediabetes. Diabetes is a disease that affects the body’s ability to use food properly. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that is needed to convert sugar into energy. Insulin controls the amount of sugar in the blood.
How can this affect your feet?
A person who has diabetes and blood sugar that is not well controlled will be more susceptible to organ damage and complications in their feet involving their skin and nails. The small blood vessels and nerves in the feet are easily affected by high sugar circulating in the blood. Less than optimal circulation can affect a person’s ability to heal from even minor cuts and scrapes. Additionally, the feet may not be able to sense injury due to altered protective sensation which causes pins and needles and numbness. Increased pressure in the feet when walking can cause wounds or ulcers which if left untreated can lead to infection, amputation and can even be life-threatening. Diabetes can also suppress the immune system which in turn can increase the chance of infection such as fungal nails and cellulitis.
Preventing complications
BioPed clinics have lower limb clinicians who assess the feet and monitor regularly for changes. BioPed’s lower limb clinicians will also ensure nails and skin are properly cared for, recommend footwear best suited for each individual if needed, consider custom foot orthotics to offload high pressure areas on the foot and provide education on what can be done at home to promote better foot health.
Good foot health at home
- Twice daily, inspect feet for scratches, blisters, redness, hot spots or any draining liquid
- Always wear something on your feet for protection, such as indoor footwear
- Wearing light coloured socks will make it easier to see blood or pus if an injury does occur
- Ensure your shoes are empty before wearing them
- Buy shoes later in the day as swelling can accumulate as the day progresses making feet bigger
- Avoid smoking as it can decrease circulation to the legs and feet
- Wash feet daily, including between the toes using a mild soap, and dry well afterwards
- Apply moisturizer to the tops and bottoms of feet if the skin is dry avoiding in between the toes; dry skin cracks easily which could lead to an infection in the feet and legs
- Avoid wearing socks or stockings that are too tight as this can restrict blood flow
- If sock seams create an indentation in the skin, they can be turned inside out
- Avoid putting anything sharp to the feet such as scissors or razors to remove callus or corns
- Avoid use of medicated corn pads as they contain an acid that could harm healthy skin as well
- As the colder weather months are nearing, it is best to not use items such as hot water bottles to reduce risk of burns
It is recommended that individuals who have diabetes be assessed by a lower limb clinician in addition to seeing their primary care practitioner on a regular basis to determine how best to improve and maintain foot health.
