Diabetes foot care

Diabetes is a chronic debilitating condition which predisposed you to become immune compromised. Its' macroangiopathic and microangiopathic effects render some areas of the body ischemic. This makes these areas of the body unchecked by the immune mechanisms that are there to protect you from infections. Diabetic neuropathy results in reduced sensory perception of some areas of the body, making you unaware of the damages occurring to those areas.

High levels of glucose in blood will reduce the efficiency of the immune system components, by making advanced glycation end products (due to glycation of the components of the immune system). Also in diabetes ketoacidosis neutrophillic functions are reduced. All in all immune system of a diabetes patient will have a lesser efficacy than a normal healthy person.

Lots of people with diabetes loose one of their feet or both due to negligence. This can well be prevented if you care enough.

First controlling your blood glucose levels is the main stay of tackling the problem. Proper diabetic diet, Regular exercises, avoiding smoking and alcohol, getting your medication as prescribed and getting your health status checked regularly will ensure proper glycemic control.

At the same time foot care should be given utmost importance.

• Wash your feet every day with lukewarm (not hot) water and mild soap.
• Dry your feet well, especially between the toes. Use a soft towel and pat gently; don't rub.
• Keep the skin of your feet smooth by applying a cream or lanolin lotion, especially on the heels. If the skin is cracked, talk to your doctor about how to treat it.
• Keep your feet dry by dusting them with nonmedicated powder before putting on shoes, socks or stockings.
• Check your feet every day. You may need a mirror to look at the bottoms of your feet. Call your doctor if you have redness, swelling, pain that doesn't go away, numbness or tingling in any part of your foot.
• Don't treat calluses, corns or bunions without talking to your doctor first.
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails. It might help to soak your toenails in warm water to soften them before you cut them. File the edges of your toenails carefully. When cutting nails, it is better to get it done by someone else, if you can not properly do it. It will ensure, your foot is not damaged while cutting nails.
• Don't let your feet get too hot or too cold.
• Don't go barefoot.