When a person is living with diabetes, he is simply more vulnerable or inclined to foot problems. The disease can result in damage to the nerves and blood vessels of the body, especially to the outer extremities, like the feet. That's why it is very important for a person with diabetes to take almost special care of this part of his body. The way to do so is through proper care of both his health and his feet.
Watch the Blood Sugar
One of the most effective methods of foot care for a person with diabetes is to maintain a healthy blood sugar level, which would be anywhere from 70 to 130 prior to a meal and around 180 after a meal. When blood sugar is left at an elevated level, it can result in nerve damage to a person's feet, which can prompt episodes of inflammation, pain and even sores or ulcers. Maintaining a proper blood sugar level is the first and most natural method of good foot care.
Wash the Feet
This may seem like an inconsequential technique in terms of diabetes, but it is quite important, as washing the feet will ensure they remain clean and healthy. use lukewarm (not hot) water and mild soap, to make sure the skin doesn't become damaged and dried out. After washing, the feet should be dried gently and completely, as moisture is a breeding ground for germs and bacteria.
Wear Appropriate Footwear
Wear the appropriate shoes, both in terms of size and support. This, too, may sound like a fairly minor issue, but it can save a person's feet from injury. A person with diabetes may suffer from problems with his circulation, especially to the outer extremities, like the feet. Via the wearing of ill-fitting or restrictive shoes, this already lessened blood circulation may become even further impaired; it could even result in blistering, cracking or sores that may have trouble healing (and could become infected) due to the poor circulation.
Wear Appropriate Stockings
Someone with diabetes should also make sure to wear the appropriate stockings. This means thicker socks in the winter and thinner socks in the summer (to maintain the correct foot temperature), as well as loose-fitting socks around the band, since you want to ensure the best circulation of blood to the feet.
Use Foot Lotion
A person with diabetes should also get into the habit of applying lotion to his feet each day. Not only will this help keep the skin from cracking (and possibly becoming infected due to the length of time it takes to heal), it also keeps a person abreast of any sores that may have developed on the feet, any temperature changes to the feet (becoming hotter or colder than the rest of the body) or any changes in the color of the feet (turning bluish or reddish in hue).
Avoid Going Barefoot
Most (if not all) medical professionals will tell a person with diabetes that she shouldn't walk around barefoot, especially outside. This is largely to protect the feet from injury. If a person walks around barefoot, she is simply more apt to injure a foot, either by stepping on something or drying out the skin. Since it will generally take longer for a wound to heal in someone with diabetes, wearing shoes is an important method of foot care.
Resources
