Diabetes is a disease that affects the body’s ability to use food properly which results in more sugar or glucose freely circulating in the blood.  If you have diabetes, you are 15% more likely to develop an issue with your feet at some point in your life. [1] According to Diabetes Canada, over one third of Canada’s population is living with diabetes or prediabetes.
Diabetes & feet
It is possible to live a healthy and happy life with diabetes. To do so, you must learn and follow proper diabetes management, which takes awareness, discipline, and commitment to your health and body. If blood sugar is not well controlled, a person with diabetes will be more at risk for developing complications. Complications commonly occur in the feet because the small blood vessels and nerves are more susceptible to damage from high sugar levels 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 when nerve sensation is affected. This results in altered protective sensation which manifests as pins and needles, numbness and even hypersensitivity and pain. If skin breakdown occurs from injury such as friction and pressure, this can lead to serious infection if left untreated.
Preventing complications in the feet
BioPed Footcare has lower limb clinicians who will assess your feet regularly for changes. This includes completing a Diabetes Risk Assessment during an appointment to determine your risk for complications. Many BioPed locations have Registered Chiropodists and Advanced Footcare Nurses who will safely treat your nails and skin and monitor your foot health for changes. At BioPed Footcare, we make sure your footwear fits properly to support and protect your feet. Custom foot orthotics to offload high pressure areas on the foot may be considered and education will be provided on what can be done at home to promote better foot health.
Tips for good foot health at home:
- Inspect feet twice daily 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 people 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. Keeping blood sugar well-controlled in a healthy and consistent range is vital. If you have diabetes and want to start your journey to healthier feet, give your local BioPed a call today to make an appointment to be assessed!
[1]Â https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21510-diabetic-feet
