The Basic Facts about Diabetes and Diabetic Foot Care

According to the American Diabetes Association, 25.8 million adults and children have diabetes.  That means that 8.3% of the population has diabetes. There are different types of diabetes.  Type 1 diabetes, formerly known as juvenille diabetes, means that the body does not produce insulin. Type 2 diabetes is much more common.  People who have from Type 2 diabetes do not produce an adequete amount of insulin or the body ignores it. Pregnant women may develop gestational diabetes.  Insulin is needed for the body to produce energy.  Below are a few tips for the basic care of diabetic feet. 

• Don't get your feet wet in snow or rain.

• Always keep your feet warm. Try Juzo Silver Sole Sock for comfortable, compression, cushioned sole, odor elimination, and germ prevention.  You can purchase these socks through our product store. 
• Don't put your feet on radiators or in front of the fireplace.
• Don't smoke or sit cross-legged. Both decrease blood supply to your feet.
• Don't soak your feet.
• Don't use antiseptic solutions, drugstore medications, heating pads or sharp instruments on your feet.
• Trim your toenails straight across. Avoid cutting the corners. Use a nail file or emery board. If you find an ingrown toenail, contact our office.
• Use quality lotion to keep the skin of your feet soft and moist, but don't put any lotion between your toes.
• Wash your feet every day with mild soap and warm water.
• Wear loose socks to bed.
• Wear warm socks and shoes in winter.
• When drying your feet, pat each foot with a towel and be careful between your toes.
• Buy shoes that are comfortable without a "breaking in" period. Check how your shoe fits in width, length, back, bottom of heel, and sole. Avoid pointed-toe styles and high heels. Try to get shoes made with leather upper material and deep toe boxes. Wear new shoes for only two hours or less at a time. Don't wear the same pair everyday. Inspect the inside of each shoe before putting it on. Don't lace your shoes too tightly or loosely.
• Choose socks and stockings carefully. Wear clean, dry socks every day. Avoid socks with holes or wrinkles. Thin cotton socks are more absorbent for summer wear. Square-toes socks will not squeeze your toes. Avoid stockings with elastic tops.

The Advanced Footcare Clinic cares about the health of our diabetic patients and the health of their feet.  If you are diabetic and need to see a doctor about your feet call our office at 419-423-1888 or visit our website at http://www.vailfoot.com/ for more information about diabetes and your feet.