Diabetes Guidelines on Proper Foot Care

Diabetes Mellitus is a medical condition wherein there is increased glucose in the blood due to the problem of the pancreas of the body to produce insulin that helps trigger the liver and the cells to take up increased levels of glucose in the blood. With increased concentration of glucose in the blood, it will have the characteristic of being viscous. This leads to poor circulation of blood throughout the body. When the body is not able to circulate properly, there is poor nutrition and oxygenation to the cells and when there is the presence of wound, it will not heal properly which can lead to infection and gangrene.

In diabetic patients, this poor circulation is evident mostly on the feet. That is why management of this condition involves foot care. According to diabetes news, there are a lot of patients who have undergone amputation due to neglect on the care of the feet. Even a small wound can become complicated because of the slow wound healing that occurs in diabetic patients. That is why it is very important to teach the patient about the facts about diabetes and how to take care of the extremities to prevent complications.

Diabetes care of the feet involves the examination and taking not of certain indications of infection daily. You must check your foot carefully from top to bottom. If it is very hard for you to do it, have someone check your feet for certain signs of impending infection. You must check whether there is a break in the skin or dryness that can lead to breakage. Feel for warmth and tenderness and see whether you can see any redness on a specific portion of your skin. If you can notice any blisters, just cover it up so that it will not be infected.

Included in the diabetes guidelines in taking care of your feet is to wash and clean them with warm water regularly. It helps take away any bacteria that are harbored. Make sure that you will not rub it to prevent any break in the skin caused by friction. Just pat it until it is dry. After that, apply moisturizers or lotions to prevent any cracks.

When you cut your nails, you must be very cautious not to include the skin of your feet. Make sure that you cut it straight across and use a nail file. However, if you are unsure of what you are doing, ask someone to do it for you or to be sure, seek the services of a foot doctor. Lastly, wear shoes and socks that are comfortable for you. You must not wear tight fitting shoes or those with heels. Make sure that you do not walk around barefooted.

These are the diabetes guidelines that you must follow in order to prevent any complications especially foot ulcer that can lead to a gangrenous foot when not taken cared for immediately. Management of the effects of diabetes on circulation includes proper foot care. It is your responsibility as a well informed patient to do what you need to do.