Why do diabetics need to take care of their feet?
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Why do diabetics need to take care of their feet?
People who suffer from diabetes need to take extra care to protect their feet from infection. Diabetes raises the amount of sugar in the blood. High sugar levels can damage the nerves in the feet causing a condition called peripheral neuropathy.
Should diabetics wash their feet everyday?
Check your feet every day for cuts, redness, swelling, sores, blisters, corns, calluses, or any other change to the skin or nails. Use a mirror if you can’t see the bottom of your feet, or ask a family member to help. Wash your feet every day in warm (not hot) water. Don’t soak your feet.
Why should diabetics not soak their feet?
Do not soak feet, or you’ll risk infection if the skin begins to break down. And if you have nerve damage, take care with water temperature. You risk burning your skin if you can’t feel that the water is too hot.
Why should diabetics moisturize their feet?
If you have diabetes, dry skin can be the result of uncontrolled blood sugar affecting the nerves in your feet and legs. This can cause your feet to not get messages from your brain to sweat. Sweat is what keeps your skin moist and soft.
What does diabetes do to legs?
Having diabetes can damage the nerves and blood vessels that supply your legs and feet. This puts affected people at increased risk of developing ulcers on the feet and legs which can become infected, and in the worst cases, develop gangrene (where the tissue dies, resulting in the need for amputation).
What happens to diabetics feet?
Over time, diabetes may cause nerve damage, also called diabetic neuropathy, that can cause tingling and pain, and can make you lose feeling in your feet. When you lose feeling in your feet, you may not feel a pebble inside your sock or a blister on your foot, which can lead to cuts and sores.
What are 3 things you should never do to the feet of someone with diabetes?
Avoid soaking your feet, as this can lead to dry skin. Dry your feet gently, especially between the toes. Moisturize your feet and ankles with lotion or petroleum jelly. Do not put oils or creams between your toes — the extra moisture can lead to infection.
How do diabetics keep their feet healthy?
Diabetes Foot Care Guidelines
- Inspect your feet daily.
- Bathe feet in lukewarm, never hot, water.
- Be gentle when bathing your feet.
- Moisturize your feet but not between your toes.
- Cut nails carefully.
- Never treat corns or calluses yourself.
- Wear clean, dry socks.
How do diabetics take care of their feet?
Why does diabetes affect your legs and feet?
Diabetes is also linked to a condition known as peripheral artery disease, or PAD. This condition narrows one’s arteries, which carry blood to the legs and feet. Not getting enough oxygenated blood can interfere with normal healing: wounds will heal more slowly and a cut or open wound may more quickly become infected.
How does diabetes affect your legs and feet?
Why do diabetics lose their legs?
Diabetes is linked to two other conditions that raise the chances of foot amputation: peripheral artery disease (PAD) and diabetic neuropathy. PAD can narrow the arteries that carry blood to your legs and feet and make you more likely to get ulcers (open sores) and infections.