Diabetes is the leading cause of non-traumaticlower limb amputations.Having a good blood sugar control can help reduce the progression of nerve damage in your feet.
To do in diabetic foot care
- Inspect your feet daily including the bottoms for cuts, blisters, redness, swelling or nail problems.
- Wash your feet in lukewarm water.
- Be gentle when bathing your feet.
- Regularly moisturize your feet to prevent itching or cracking.
- Cut nails along the shape of it and file the corners. Don’t cut them too short.
- Shake out your shoes and feel for objects inside before wearing; you may not feel a small foreign object when your shoe is on your foot.
- Keep feet warm and clean.
- Maintain healthy blood sugar levels as poorly controlled blood sugars can lead to nerve damage and loss of sensation in your feet.
- Use MCR/ MCP foot wear which have soft soles.
- Make sure to have a comprehensive foot examination with a doctor every year.
Don’ts in diabetic foot care
- Never try to remove corns or calluses on your own.
- Don’t put your feet in hot water – test with your hand first.
- Never using heating pads or hot water bottles – you can easily burn your feet without noticing .
- Avoid wearing thick or tight socks.
- Avoid moisture in between the toes.
- Don’t use adhesive tapes on your feet.
- Don’t smoke.
- Never walk bare foot – even at home because you can easily get a scratch or a cut.
Diabetic foot risk assessments and care could reduce foot complications and amputations by up to 85%.
