What Is Diabetes?

According to the American Podiatric Medical Association, diabetes is "the inability to manufacture or properly use insulin. This impairs the body from being able to convert sugars, starches, and other foods into energy. Diabetes can have an effect on the eyes, heart, kidney, nerves, and feet.

If you have diabetes, follow these foot care tips:

• Inspect feet daily. Check your feet and toes every day for cuts, bruises, sores, or changes to the toenails, such as thickening or discoloration.
• Wear thick, soft socks. Avoid socks with seams, which could rub and cause blisters or other skin injuries.
• Exercise. Walking can keep weight down and improve circulation. Be sure to wear appropriate athletic shoes when exercising.
• Have new shoes properly measured and fitted. Foot size and shape may change over time. Shoes that fit properly are important to those with diabetes.
• Don't go barefoot. Don't go without shoes, even in your own home. The risk of cuts and infection is too great for those with diabetes.
• Never try to remove calluses, corns, or warts by yourself. Over-the-counter products can burn the skin and cause irreparable damage to the foot for people with diabetes.
• See a podiatrist. Regular checkups by a podiatrist—at least annually—are the best way to ensure that your feet remain healthy. Contact the Advanced Footcare Clinic at 419-423-1888 to schedule an appointment.