If you’re diabetic or possibly diabetic, it’s obvious that diabetic awareness, vigilance and self-care are essential. Please ensure you know who your NHS diabetic care contacts are, their location and their telephone numbers, day and night. Monitor your blood sugar and contact the relevant professional if it’s not right. The best person to look after your diabetes is YOU and it pays to be well informed and pro-active. Some of the healthiest people in the population are diabetic which is great encouragement to sufferers.
With regard to feet and lower legs, you’ll need professional help which should be provided by your diabetic care contacts, if you experience any of the following,
- burning, sharp sensations, numbness or tingling
- wounds or sores which don’t heal
- additional medical issues to your diabetes
- painful feet
- swollen feet
- cold, pale feet
- leaking feet and lower le
- smooth, shiny, hairless skin
- ulcers
- cramps in your calves when resting or walking
These are things you can do yourself to reduce your risk of a serious foot problem;
- If you smoke, seek help to stop. Smoking makes it harder for blood to flow to your feet.
- Check your feet daily. Get to know them so you can spot changes quickly.
- Manage your blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure. Meeting your targets means it’s less likely the nerves and blood vessels in your feet will get damaged.
- Moisturise your feet daily. This stops dry skin from cracking and getting infected. Use a diabetic-friendly moisturiser, but not between the toes.
- Take care cutting your nails. Don’t poke with sharp tools like the point of nail scissors.
- Don’t use blades or corn plasters. They can damage the skin.
- Get expert advice. You should have a foot check AT LEAST once a year, preferably 6 monthly, by a healthcare professional to see if you’re at risk of problems.
- Make sure your footwear and socks/tights fit. If they’re too tight or loose they can rub causing blisters. Blisters are serious if you have diabetes and can develop quite quickly.
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet and stay active. Ask your care team for advice if you had a previous foot problem or have an active ulcer.
If you struggle to manage your own feet, book an appointment with me to help keep your feet as healthy as possible.
