Best Foot Care Practices for Individuals with Diabetes

According to the Joslin Diabetes Center, one in four people with diabetes will develop a foot complication that requires medical attention. When diabetes is not properly managed, nerve damage may develop in the feet, causing difficulty in noticing cuts or wounds.

Additionally, consistently high blood glucose levels may reduce blood flow to the feet and legs, making healing more difficult. These diabetes complications can cause otherwise minor lesions to become serious health complications. For this reason, it’s important to practice proper foot care every day. The following guidelines are an introduction to best foot care practices for individuals with diabetes.

Manage Your Blood Glucose Levels

Closely monitoring and controlling blood glucose levels is the first and most important step in caring for your feet. Elevated blood glucose levels may increase the risk of diabetic neuropathy of the feet or decreased blood flow to the feet and legs. It is important to see your doctor regularly and to follow a diabetes management plan given to you by your doctor or diabetes care team. This plan may include an exercise routine, a diet program, and medication. For individuals who manage blood glucose using insulin,  a simple-to-use touchscreen insulin pump can make blood glucose management more convenient.

Check Your Feet Every Day

The Joslin Diabetes Center recommends checking your feet twice a day. When examining the feet, look closely for blisters, cuts, or signs of redness. If you find a wound, treat it and cover it immediately. Make sure to track the progress of the wound. If it isn’t healing, call your doctor right away.

Keep Feet Clean and Healthy

It is very important to wash your feet every day in order to avoid possible infection. Wash your feet with warm water (the water should not be hot) and a mild soap, as hot water and harsher soaps may damage the skin. Dry your skin thoroughly to eliminate moist areas where infection tends to develop. Finally, apply a moisturizer approved by your physician. Be careful to not moisturize between the toes, as the additional moisture may encourage fungus growth.  Maintaining healthy skin is important for preventing complications.

Consider Asking Your Doctor to Trim Your Toenails

If you are unable to reach your toenails, have been diagnosed with diabetic neuropathy, or cannot see well, ask your doctor or your podiatrist to trim your toenails for you. This will help you avoid accidentally cutting yourself with toenail clippers. Additionally, if you have developed onychomycosis (a nail fungus) or any condition that may make it more difficult to cut your toenails, consult your doctor.

If you are able to trim your nails yourself, cut them after showering when nails are softer. Trim nails straight across, then smooth the corners to prevent them from growing into the skin.

Always Wear Socks and Shoes to Protect Feet from Cuts

Protect your feet from possible cuts, blisters, or wounds by always wearing socks and shoes, indoors and outdoors. This is especially important for individuals who have developed nerve damage to the feet. Inspect your shoes for bumps or edges that may cause blisters, avoid wearing sandals or high heels, and always wear socks to avoid developing blisters or sores.

Talk to your doctor about additional ways to practice proper foot care. Taking care of your feet is a very important task that must be handled regularly to prevent any diabetes related problems. If you have any questions or concerns about healthy foot habits, your healthcare team will be able to help you manage your footcare regimen.

Resources:

http://www.healthline.com/health/diabetes-foot-care

http://www.joslin.org/info/4_tips_for_foot_care_when_you_have_diabetes.html

https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/preventing-diabetes-problems/keep-feet-healthy/take-care-your-feet-lifetime