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As the number of people diagnosed with diabetes in the United States continues to grow, more and more patients are learning that diabetes affects much more than the insulin levels their bodies produce.
“Foot care issues are a constant source of struggle for our patients with diabetes,” says April Merrill, APRN, ediba Diabetes Center of Excellence at INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center. “Particularly during the summer months, we really try to remind our patients to be vigilant with their foot care.”
Often patients will experience nerve damage or loss as a result of their diabetes. When this damage affects the feet, the complications can be severe.
“Many people like to go barefoot when the weather is warmer, but diabetes patients must try to avoid this temptation,” notes Merrill. “If the feet are damaged from diabetes, they can receive injuries they may not even know about. The best way to avoid these problems is to practice good hygiene throughout the year, but definitely during the hotter months, which can last well into the fall season.”
If you have diabetes, be sure to follow these steps to better foot care.
- Wear shoes that allow the foot to breathe (avoid plastic or vinyl footwear)
- Ladies – stay away from the high heels, especially those with pointy toes. These shoes may look pretty, but create too much pressure for the toes.
- Keep your feet clean! Wash them every day and dry them with a clean, soft, dry towel.
- Be sure to keep the skin moist. Dry skin tends to crack, which can be an invitation for infection. But remember! Do not put lotion between the toes.
- After washing, this is a good time to inspect your feet for injuries. If you suspect an injury is slow to heal, contact your physician immediately.
- Keep cuts covered. Only use antibiotic ointments or cream that your doctor prescribes or suggests.
- Take care of those toenails! Keep the nails trimmed (straight across) and file the edges. Watch out! Trimming the nails too closely to the skin can cause problems.
- Never walk barefoot!
If you would like more information about diabetes or the complications related to it, please call the ediba Diabetes Center of Excellence at INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center, (405) 843-3456.
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