Diabetes and Foot Care: Managing Diabetic Foot Complications

Diabetes is a serious illness, but it can be managed and controlled with diet, lifestyle changes, and if necessary, medication. But the bottom line is that if diabetes is not managed properly, it can lead to various complications, many of which can be serious if they are not identified and addressed promptly. Foot problems, for example, are a common complication for people who have diabetes.

In this article, we will provide tips on how to prevent diabetic foot-related complications as well as tips for good foot care. Keep reading to learn more.

How To Prevent Foot Complications If You Have Diabetes?

In general, you can lower your risk of diabetes-related complications by managing your blood sugar levels and seeing your GP for regular checkups. You can also lower your risk of developing foot problems by examining your feet regularly, this is an essential part of diabetes management.

Self-exams

This should include:

·         Examining all parts of your feet, especially between the toes.

·         Checking for skin ulcers, skin changes, sensitivity, and numbness.

Clinical exams

During a clinical foot exam, your health care provider will check for:

·         Poor circulation

·         Signs of nerve damage

·         Skin changes

·         Foot deformities

Foot Care Tips for Diabetics

There are many steps you can take to decrease your chances of developing foot complications.

You should:

·         Avoid activities that can injure the feet such as walking barefoot or walking in dirty water.

·         Use care when trimming the nails – don’t cut them too short.

·         Check your feet daily for any signs of ulcers, numbness, or skin changes.

·         Choose socks and shoes carefully – don’t wear tight socks or shoes that may cause blisters.

·         Get regular foot exams with your healthcare provider.

·         Quit smoking to prevent circulation problems.

·         Monitor your blood sugar regularly.

The Importance of Managing Blood Sugar

In general, you can reduce your risk of diabetes-related foot complications by keeping your blood sugar levels within a healthy range. Maintaining a low-sugar or no-sugar diet can help control sugar levels. Using sugar substitutes like Sweetex Tabs One-By-One Dispenser (800 or 1200) to add to your morning coffee or tasty sugar free jams like Stute Diabetic Jam [Strawberry] 430G or Stute Diabetic Jam [Peach] 430G for your breakfast toast can help keep you on track.

Shop at Pearl Chemist Group pharmacy for products that can help you manage diabetes and stay healthy. We carry a wide variety of products for diabetics and offer blood sugar testing at each of our South London branches.