People with diabetes can lead a whole life, provided they take care of their health and actively manage their diabetes.  It is essential to be mindful of the disease from Uncontrolled diabetes can attack any number of bodily functions and irrep­­arably damage the organs. the point of initial diagnosis and knowing that having the disease puts you at a higher risk of infections. One of the many body parts impacted is the foot. Diabetic foot care is necessary to aid an individual’s mobility, comfort, and quality of life. Several foot injuries and conditions can turn infectious if not treated in a timely manner. People with type-1 and type-2 diabetes should receive routine foot care with a podiatrist as part of their medical and health care team.

Today, we highlight a few essential points of diabetic foot care for our readers:

Practice Daily Foot Care

According to the guidelines of the American Diabetes Association, you should wash your feet with warm soapy water each day, and avoid hot water. Routinely check your feet for any sores, ulcers, cuts, blisters, redness, or corns. After drying your feet, apply a moisturizer, with the exception of the area between your toes.

Pick the Right Footwear

Refrain from walking barefoot, even at home, to minimize the risk of injury. The extra layer of shoes, socks, and slippers gives added protection to your feet. Look out for any small sharp objects inside your shoes before wearing them. Select comfortable shoes with a proper fit that does not pinch your toes or chafe your skin. Your podiatrist may recommend therapeutic shoes or custom orthotics according to your needs.

Trim your Nails Correctly

Trim your nails straight across and smoothen with an emery board; avoid cutting into the corners because that could lead to ingrown nails. Long, thick, or uneven nails can poke into neighboring toes and cause sores and cuts.

Exercise

Exercises like walking and stretching improve poor circulation by stimulating the blood flow to reach the legs and feet. Walk in comfortable, sturdy shoes and avoid walking with open, unhealed sores on the feet.

Engage your Diabetes Care Team

Follow the advice of your diabetes healthcare providers. You can get your health on track by managing some of the factors that are within your control:

·         Quit smoking

·         Monitor blood glucose watching for spikes

·         Manage blood pressure and cholesterol.

When not managed well, these conditions lead to neuropathy and poor circulation.

If you notice any odd details regarding your feet, adding a foot and ankle specialist like Dr. Argirios Mantzoukas at Bay Podiatry Associates to your healthcare team is the best way to prevent diabetic complications of the feet and other foot and ankle diseases. Contact our office at 718-266-1986 for more information and to schedule your appointment with us. Our office is at 8635 21st Avenue, Suite 1C, Brooklyn, NY, 11217.