According to many experts, diabetes can restrict the flow of oxygen to your feet. Hence, it becomes even more difficult for you to heal ulcers and other wounds on your feet. Since diabetes may numb your legs, you may not feel the blisters and infections on your feet until they have become irritated. At this point, your feet may already be severely infected and if you are not careful, you may end up losing your toes or feet to a lower limb amputation. To help you take care of your feet as a diabetic, here are some tips for you.

(1) Check Your Feet Daily- The best way to fight off diabetes is prevention. To prevent infection, check your feet at least twice daily. Check your feet after taking a bath in the morning and then check them again before you go to bed at night. If you find any signs of blisters or boils on your feet, do not ignore them(report them to your doctor immediately). To avoid infection, wash your feet with warm water then dry them thoroughly. When drying your feet, pat them gently with a soft towel.

After drying your feet, check your feet and if possible treat any infected areas as prescribed by your doctor. After treating your feet, prop your feet on some pillows and rest for a while. Remember that wet and soggy sores do not heal well so forget about soaking your feet for too long

(2)Do Not Go Barefooted – If you have diabetes, you should never walk barefooted. Your feet are prone to infection so forget about walking barefooted even inside your home. You can wear well-padded socks and avoid wearing nylon stockings. Nylon stockings do not provide enough protection to your feet so ditch the nylon stocking and go for those thick socks that are made of soft cotton materials. Sweaty socks are good breeding for bacteria that may cause infections so change your socks regularly. You should also wear properly fitted footwear when at all possible. You should also get on a FootCare program from a Medicare approved vendor ASAP and keep improving your education.

(3)Choose Your Shoes Properly – Your shoes must be professionally fitted by a certified Pedorthist. Forget about those sexy shoes and sandals that do not give your feet enough support. Those off the rack shoes and sandals may look good but they can also chaff your feet and cause blisters. To protect your feet, wear comfortable, professionally fitted shoes at all times. You should also see to it that you wear comfortable socks, diabetic socks are preferred.

(4)Keep Your Feet Clean- Use mild soap and warm water. Avoid using any soap that can dry your skin. Remember that dry skin can crack easily so do not use any harsh soap that can dry your skin. Is it alright to apply moisturizers on your feet? If you have diabetes, you should be extra careful when using moisturizers. Remember that moisturizers can leave your skin feeling damp and sticky so if you must use moisturizers, use it sparingly. Vitally, never putting moisturizer in between your toes. Remember that damp and sticky areas are favorite breeding grounds of bacteria that can cause infection.

*The author of this blog is not a medical professional and this article does not contain professional medical advice. This blog is not intended to substitute for medical advice, treatment, or diagnosis. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of the contents of this article. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.

*The author of this blog is not a medical professional and this article does not contain professional medical advice. This blog is not intended to substitute for medical advice, treatment, or diagnosis. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of the contents of this article. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.