Diabetes is one of the most potent diseases around. Billions of dollars have gone into researching its causes and cures and giant breakthroughs have been realized towards this end. Other than just what the doctors can recommended and prescribe, there are certain things the diabetic himself or herself needs to do to alleviate their condition. It is a known fact there is a co-relation between diabetes and feet complications.

One out of every five people who check into foot hospitals have diabetes. Diabetes has been known to affect nerves in the feet and as such, people afflicted with it have foot injuries which they cannot recall how they happened. This is because diabetics may have lost some feeling in their legs which results in bruises, cuts and abrasions that went unnoticed and untreated.

Other problems that diabetics may experience with their feet are ulcers, poor blood circulation, and nerve damage. If left untreated, these conditions can escalate and necessitate amputation. But how can a diabetic care for their feet?

Warnings

If diabetes has started affecting your feet, there are tell-tale signs that you will notice before things get out of hand. One of them is a slight discoloration of the skin around the feet. Then from time to time the temperature of the feet drops and rises irrespective of the rest of the body. At times the diabetic experiences excruciating pain.

Other ailments that the diabetic contends with is swellings in the foot or ankle that torment the person especially when they walk or use their feet for any activity. Because of nerve damage, the diabetic may not realize that he or she is injured and the injury may go unnoticed and hence untreated. This may also cause the toenails to be infected with fungus.

But perhaps the most serious and grievious foot maladies are the ulcers which usually occur at the bottom of the big toe or on either sides of the foot. These can be further aggrevated by wearing certain shoes. In extreme cases and if left untreated this can also cause amputation.

Diabetes can also affect nerves inside the foot causing the diabetic to be unable to feel basic sensations such as hot or cold or pain. This is the sole reason why many people suffering from diabetes have cuts and bruises that can go unnoticed. These can also become infected and cause serious problem.

The diabetic should select shoes carefully whenever they purchase shoes. They can also consult with their doctor for recommendations regarding the best shoes.

A few extra tips include:

• Avoiding walking barefoot
• Get into the habit of examining your feet daily
• Avoid very hot water when bathing your feet
• Consult a podriatist regularly
• When you wash your feet, dry them thoroughly

• Signs and Symptoms of Diabetes You Must Know
• The Ten Step Foot Self-Exam
• Type 2 Diabetes Risk Factors
• Safe Traveling Tips For Diabetics
• Finding the Right Diet For Diabetic Patient Management
• Free Diabetic Meal Plan For Diabetics Who Want to Lose Weight and Cure Diabetes
• What Are Normal Blood Glucose Levels? Know How to Control
• Know a Little About Blood Sugar Facts to Avoid Getting Pre-Diabetes

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