I bet that all of you enjoyed playing “this little piggy went to market.” Toes and feet are important and require special attention if you have diabetes. I was diagnosed with diabetes soon after I was eight years old. I was sent to a diabetes education program taught by an endocrinologist/diabetes specialist. Even though the class was taught in three hour sessions over five days, I did my best to pay attention. I was told that I should learn as much as possible about diabetes so I could take care of it myself, which would then help me avoid future problems and feel better. I distinctly remember when foot care was covered. Pictures were shown of feet infected with athlete’s foot (which, by the way, diabetes patients have twice the risk of developing). The pictures of blisters, ingrown toenails, and small cuts that had turned into gangrene and needed to be surgically removed are still clear in my mind.
To prevent problems with toes and feet, each of us with diabetes should closely examine our feet daily. Any break of the skin or inflammation around toenails should be taken seriously, and you should see a podiatrist immediately to get intense treatment. Preventive foot care is essential for diabetes patients. The feet should be washed and cleaned thoroughly each day, and extra care taken to dry between the toes. Some centers recommend that an antifungal product like Tinactin powder be used daily, or that you put moisturizer on your feet - since the skin can get dried out due to neuropathy. Do not cut toenails too far down in order to avoid ingrown toe nails. Break in shoes slowly and carefully. I am a big fan of Aetrex shoes that are designed for diabetes patients. Purchase non-cotton socks that provide good padding, are moisture absorbent, and ESPECIALLY do not cut off circulation in your legs. Let the podiatrist treat corns, bunions, and any other foot problems. Foot problems result more often in diabetes patients due to poor circulation and nerve damage. Whenever you see a health care provider, take off your socks and shoes and put your “Toes to their Nose.” Other important preventive measures are to keep your blood glucose levels close to normal, and to exercise to maintain healthy circulation.
Take charge of your diabetes foot care and make sure your little piggies do not have to go in for surgery.
About The Author
R. Keith Campbell RPh, FAADE, CDE is a leader in the field of diabetes, named the “Outstanding Health Care Educator in the Field of Diabetes in the U.S.” by the American Diabetes Association, having published more than 650 articles, serving on numerous boards (including the American Association of Diabetes Educators), and co-developing the popular CADD ambulatory infusion pump.
The views and opinions expressed in this blog are solely those of the author, and do not represent the views of DiabetesProductSource, Kestrel Health Information, Inc., its affiliates, or subsidiary companies.
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