Understanding the connection between diabetes and the foot: Diabetes is a disease where patients have high blood glucose levels in their blood over long periods of time.
This sugar has detrimental effects on every organ within the body, beginning with the arteries.
As high levels of sugar damage the arteries, there is reduced blood flow to different parts of the body.
Since the feet are at the extremities, they could be starved of fresh, oxygenated blood.
This could lead to serious problems.
That is why it is important for diabetic patients to take special care of their feet.
How diabetes impact the feet: The most common damage inflicted on the feet in diabetics is diabetic neuropathy.
This is when the nerves in the feet are damaged to an extent where patients do not have sufficient sensation left in their feet.
When this happens, patients may develop blisters, sores or wounds on their feet and not be aware of them at all.
Another complication associated with diabetes is poor blood flow.
This makes it hard for cuts and wounds to heal quickly and efficiently.
If foot infection is left untreated, patients could easily develop gangrene.
If that happens, amputation of the foot is the only available option.
Therefore, diabetic patients must be wary of developing blisters, corns, calluses or bunions on their feet.
They must be careful of averting the development of dry skin and fungal infection.
These conditions may be avoided to a large extent through the use of proper shoes.
Why different shoes? If you are diabetic, you need different shoes because: 1.
Your feet are extra sensitive as the supply of blood to the feet may be reducing without your being aware of it.
2.
Proper shoes are the first line of defense against foot injury and infection.
3.
Proper shoes can prevent the development of ulcers, blisters and fungus.
4.
Well-fitting shoes leave you feeling comfortable and allows proper blood circulation in the feet.
5.
Proper shoes allow your feet to breathe while protecting them sufficiently.
Here are some tips to help you choose the right kinds of shoes: 1.
Wear the right fit.
Do not buy ill-fitting shoes believing that the shoes will 'stretch' after a while.
Ill-fitting shoes speed up nerve damage.
2.
Shoes must not have any rough edges on the inside 3.
Wear shoes that have plenty of room inside them.
4.
Wear shoes made of materials that can breathe - like canvas, suede or leather.
Plastic and thong sandals are strictly taboo.
5.
Wear adjustable shoes.
6.
Shoes that endanger your feet, like flip-flops, high heeled sandals and so on must be avoided.
7.
Wear socks that wick moisture away.
8.
Change your shoes after 4-5 hours.
This allows the feet to breathe.
Orthotics plays an important role in diabetic foot care.
There are special shoes designed for diabetics that prevent the formation of pressure points in the feet.
These shoes are made of materials like Plastazote.
These shoes are customized for individuals.
They have wide toe box and have firm heels.
Such shoes prevent foot damage and provide maximum comfort to the feet.
Even if you are wearing the right shoes, it is important to check your feet for injury periodically and visit your doctor regularly.
This sugar has detrimental effects on every organ within the body, beginning with the arteries.
As high levels of sugar damage the arteries, there is reduced blood flow to different parts of the body.
Since the feet are at the extremities, they could be starved of fresh, oxygenated blood.
This could lead to serious problems.
That is why it is important for diabetic patients to take special care of their feet.
How diabetes impact the feet: The most common damage inflicted on the feet in diabetics is diabetic neuropathy.
This is when the nerves in the feet are damaged to an extent where patients do not have sufficient sensation left in their feet.
When this happens, patients may develop blisters, sores or wounds on their feet and not be aware of them at all.
Another complication associated with diabetes is poor blood flow.
This makes it hard for cuts and wounds to heal quickly and efficiently.
If foot infection is left untreated, patients could easily develop gangrene.
If that happens, amputation of the foot is the only available option.
Therefore, diabetic patients must be wary of developing blisters, corns, calluses or bunions on their feet.
They must be careful of averting the development of dry skin and fungal infection.
These conditions may be avoided to a large extent through the use of proper shoes.
Why different shoes? If you are diabetic, you need different shoes because: 1.
Your feet are extra sensitive as the supply of blood to the feet may be reducing without your being aware of it.
2.
Proper shoes are the first line of defense against foot injury and infection.
3.
Proper shoes can prevent the development of ulcers, blisters and fungus.
4.
Well-fitting shoes leave you feeling comfortable and allows proper blood circulation in the feet.
5.
Proper shoes allow your feet to breathe while protecting them sufficiently.
Here are some tips to help you choose the right kinds of shoes: 1.
Wear the right fit.
Do not buy ill-fitting shoes believing that the shoes will 'stretch' after a while.
Ill-fitting shoes speed up nerve damage.
2.
Shoes must not have any rough edges on the inside 3.
Wear shoes that have plenty of room inside them.
4.
Wear shoes made of materials that can breathe - like canvas, suede or leather.
Plastic and thong sandals are strictly taboo.
5.
Wear adjustable shoes.
6.
Shoes that endanger your feet, like flip-flops, high heeled sandals and so on must be avoided.
7.
Wear socks that wick moisture away.
8.
Change your shoes after 4-5 hours.
This allows the feet to breathe.
Orthotics plays an important role in diabetic foot care.
There are special shoes designed for diabetics that prevent the formation of pressure points in the feet.
These shoes are made of materials like Plastazote.
These shoes are customized for individuals.
They have wide toe box and have firm heels.
Such shoes prevent foot damage and provide maximum comfort to the feet.
Even if you are wearing the right shoes, it is important to check your feet for injury periodically and visit your doctor regularly.
Source...