Diabetes & Foot Care
Diabetes is a disease in which the body’s blood glucose (sugar) level remains above normal limits. This may be because the body does not produce insulin or has become resistant to the effects of insulin. Diabetes is a disease which can affect all major organ systems. This includes:
- Heart: there is a 2-3 times the risk of heart attack or stroke
- Eyes: there is 2 times the risk of having glaucoma and vision loss
- Kidneys: diabetes is the leading cause of kidney disease
- Other organs systems: nervous, digestive, urinary, reproductive
It is of utmost importance to control blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels.
Please ask your doctor to discuss ways to manage diabetes and changes you can make to your diet and lifestyle.
The foot is affected by diabetes in many ways. This includes damage to nerves and reduction in blood flow to the feet.
The most basic ways to care for the feet include:
- Daily foot checks
- Controlling blood sugar levels
- Protective shoe gear, no barefoot walking
- Good hygiene: normal length toenails and soft healthy skin
These are some great resources for further tips on foot care for diabetics.
National Diabetes Education Program
Multilingual Diabetes Handouts
CDC Site for Diabetes and Your Feet