As people with diabetes, we need to take special care of our feet because they can be affected in two main ways: reduced blood circulation and nerve damage.
Here’s what to watch for and some tips to help prevent problems.
Symptoms:
-
If your feet are often cold, your legs ache when you walk, or your feet hurt at night, these may be signs of poor blood circulation. Poor circulation can slow the healing of cuts or injuries on your feet.
Prevention:
-
Staying physically active can help improve circulation. It’s also important to keep your blood sugar, blood fat, and blood pressure under control. And, of course, avoid smoking.
Symptoms:
-
Numbness, burning sensations on the soles of your feet, or tingling (pins and needles) are possible signs of nerve damage.
-
Since foot nerves are the longest in the body, they’re especially vulnerable to damage from diabetes. When these nerves are damaged, sensation decreases, so cuts or blisters may go unnoticed and can develop into ulcers.
Prevention:
-
Check your feet regularly for any injuries. If you notice corns or calluses, be sure to consult a podiatrist promptly. Wash and dry carefully between your toes, and keep your nails trimmed and smooth.
While everyone enjoys a good foot massage, for diabetics, it’s more than a treat—it helps prevent serious complications. So go ahead, schedule that foot massage!
