Every November, many of us enjoy Thanksgiving dinner at tables brimming with turkey, sweet potatoes, pies, and more. But if you live with diabetes, you still need to be mindful of what you eat and drink so your blood sugar doesn’t go awry.
Foot health is also a key concern if you have diabetes. This condition causes a host of complications — from cardiovascular disease to vision problems to kidney disease — with diabetic foot ulcers being among the most serious.
At Foot and Ankle Clinic of MidFlorida, Dr. Paul Ebanks provides enlightened, sensitively delivered care to patients with diabetes and partners with them to support their foot health. Considering 38 million Americans live with diabetes and 90-95% of them have type 2, we want to raise awareness about diabetes and particularly how it affects your feet.
Here’s what you need to know about diabetic foot care, along with five strategies to prevent foot ulcers.
Normally, the hormone insulin helps glucose — the fuel from the food you eat — move from your bloodstream into your cells for energy. But when you have type 2 diabetes, your body doesn’t produce enough insulin or use it efficiently, making glucose accumulate in your blood.
Uncontrolled blood sugar damages blood vessels and nerves, especially in the feet, which can lead to:
You may also develop foot ulcers, especially when neuropathy makes it difficult to feel small injuries to your feet.
Diabetic foot ulcers are common. They often originate in spots on your foot where shoes, socks, and other things rub against them.
A foot ulcer is an open sore that’s potentially dangerous. One can develop quickly from a small injury, like a blister. Once an ulcer exists, it typically heals slowly due to reduced blood flow to your feet.
The longer the ulcer is open and raw, the higher your chances are of developing an infection. In the worst cases, without prompt treatment, it may spread to your bone and put you at risk for amputation. Or, it can enter your bloodstream and cause deadly sepsis, a condition that leads to organ shutdown and death.
Caring properly for your feet can help you avoid the consequences of a diabetic foot ulcer.
Here are five ways to prevent diabetic foot ulcers so you can bypass the dangers associated with them.
Looking closely at your feet every day, without fail, can help you catch any problems in their earliest stages. A foot inspection can reveal any small injuries you cannot feel, allowing you to seek early treatment from Dr. Ebanks.
Use a mirror so you can see every part of your foot. In addition to looking for injuries, see if you spot any other troubling signs, like redness, warmth, or swelling.
Wash your feet with soap and warm water daily, and moisturize them afterwards. Just avoid putting lotion between your toes. That area tends to stay too moist, which could promote fungal infection.
Keeping your feet clean lowers your chances of developing an infection if you do develop a small injury.
Consistently monitoring blood sugar, eating well, exercising, and engaging in other habits that support overall health is key.
Extra pounds put stress on your feet. So if you’re overweight or obese, talk to your doctor about effective weight loss strategies.
Aim for a diet plentiful in fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats like nuts and avocados. Skip high-fat dairy products, highly processed foods (like baked goods and candy), and high-sugar beverages.
Exercise is also important. Stick with something you enjoy so you look forward to it.
If you smoke, quit. And if you don’t, never start.
Tobacco products are associated with circulatory problems and reduced blood flow, as well as slowed healing.
To schedule an appointment or receive advanced wound treatment, contact our Sebring office at 863-382-1570. You can also reach out to us through our website.
