Over time, diabetes can damage the nerves in your feet. It can also affect blood flow to your feet and cause foot problems that are directly related to diabetes.

Additionally, it is a well known fact that wounds heal slower in people with diabetes.

And one of the areas of our body that sustains wounds regularly is our feet.

It is therefore important if you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes that you to take good care of your feet.

Failure to do so can lead to loss of the foot or leg and we want to avoid that.

In this post, I will be sharing 8 tips on how to take care of your feet when you have diabetes.

Foot care and diabetes

#1- Take care of your diabetes

The first step to taking care of your feet is to take care of your diabetes.

Keeping diabetes under control happens because of a series of things you do.

1. Checking your blood sugar levels at set times during the day so that you are not spiking it too high or having it drop too low.
2. Regular exercise. Apart from exercise helping with weight control, it also allows for better blood blood to your hands and feet which also reduces the risk of non-healing wounds.
3. Healthy diet choices.
4. Regular visits to the doctor to make sure your medication is working for you.

#2- Check your feet on a daily basis

This can be either you or a caregiver checking your feet on a daily basis to make sure there are not cuts, blisters or wounds.

If there are any cuts or wounds, report them to your doctor immediately for appropriate care and advice.

#3- Good skin care is a must

Wash your feet everyday and make sure to dry the spaces in between your toes well.

Apply lotion to your feet to keep the skin on your feet from cracking.

#4- Don’t walk barefoot

Do your best to wear socks or shoes as you walk around your house to protect your feet from unnecessary injuries.

Make sure to check the insides of your shoes before you ear them.

#5- Ask about shoes that support your feet

Wear shoes that are not too tight or too loose.

There are also shoes that are designed specially for people with diabetes.

Ask your doctor about those and find out if your health insurance will pay for it.

#6- Trim your toenails regularly

Use a nail clipper to trim your nails regularly or use a file to file them straight across.

Avoid using sharp razors on your foot as this might cause an infection.

#7- Protect your feet from hot and cold extremes

Because diabetes can affect your the nerves in your feet, it is possible for you to not even feel when your feet are too cold or being burned. It is therefore important for you to protect your feet from hot and cold extremes.

It is important that you keep your feet away from heaters and open fires.

Make sure you wear shoes if you have to go to the beach or walk on the pavement especially in the summer.

Avoid putting hot water bottles or heating pads directly on your feet.

Wear socks at night if your feet get cold.

#8- Regular visits to the doctor are a must

Last but not least, it is important that you visit your doctor or podiatrist regularly so they can help take care of your feet properly.

When problems are detected early, it is possible for measures to be put in place to avoid further complications.

And there you have it.

Eight tips for taking excellent care of your feet when you have diabetes.

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