How to protect your feet as a diabetic

Good foot care is essential if you're a diabetic or you care for someone who has diabetes. Here are a few tips that will help you avoid foot trouble as a diabetic.

If you're diabetic, you can easily hurt your foot just by bumping it, and the damage might go unnoticed due to a loss of feeling called peripheral neuropathy. Failure to recognize and treat foot problems promptly can lead to an infection or even an amputation. Look after your feet, and you'll significantly reduce your chances of developing serious problems.

If you have diabetes, avoid going barefoot, especially outdoors where a thorn could prick a toe before you know it. Wear sandals or shoes on the beach and in the water to protect your feet from glass or rocks. Get shoes fitted properly so they don't rub or chafe the foot, and avoid secondhand footwear, as it is more likely to be a poor fit. Poor-fitting shoes cause calluses and corns that can get infected if left untreated.

See a podiatrist on an annual basis for a comprehensive foot checkup and treatment of any areas of concern. It's very important to keep your house clean to prevent dirt from getting into cuts or sores. Care for your feet by thoroughly washing and drying them daily.

Examine them for redness or sores and file toenails regularly. Foot lotion keeps your feet soft, but don't put the lotion between your toes, as this area can be prone to infection if it remains moist.

Knowing how to spot problems can help you avoid losing a limb. Check your feet daily for soreness, discharge and smells. Changes in skin colour can indicate a problem, so look for any discolouration, such as blue or red areas.

If you notice a corn or callus developing, get it treated quickly by a podiatrist, and if there's an ulcer brewing, get it looked at within 24 hours by your doctor. Once you know the early warning signs, you'll be able to react quickly.

One of the most important ways to protect your feet as a diabetic is to stop smoking. Smoking leads to constriction of your blood vessels and increases problems in the feet.

Losing weight and making sure you eat a balanced diet will also help you avoid diabetic foot issues.