There are many foot complications related to diabetes such as calluses, athlete’s foot, bunions and ulcers. There are many reasons why diabetes can harm the foot and one of the main concerns is decreased blood flow to the foot. This occurs due to damage to the blood vessels in people who have persistently high blood sugar over long periods of time. Another major concern is the damage to the nerves of the foot which decreases the sensation, which results in foot injuries going unnoticed. So how should people with diabetes car for their feet?

The cornerstone in the prevention of foot problems in diabetes is having persistent control of blood sugar and insuring that the blood glucose levels are kept within a normal range over a long period of time. Many studies have shown that controlling one’s blood sugar levels can effectively prevent or delay foot problems in people who have diabetes. There are several other important ways to effectively decrease the problems of the feet with diabetes.

1. Foot examination: Diabetic patients should learn how to properly examine their feet on a daily basis by checking for any swelling, redness or hidden cuts. They should also look under the nails. A mirror can be used or a family member can be asked to assist if the diabetic person is visually impaired. Consult with a physician if anything suspicious is found. Diabetic patients should have their feet routinely examined by their doctors at least one time per year.

2. Toe care: Toe nails should be cut with extreme care. The edges should be filed and not cut too short to avoid ingrown toe nails.

3. Do not walk barefooted and avoid the use of heating pads.

4. Choose socks carefully. Socks should be changed daily and should always be clean. Tight socks should not be worn as they can decrease blood circulation. It is best to wear socks at night if the feet become cold.

5. Shoes: Diabetic patients should wear low heeled shoes to decrease pressure on the toes and they should also wear shoes with a broad front so as to provide the toes with adequate space. It is a good idea to shake the shoes before wearing just in case there is a small stone or other object which may not be felt when wearing the shoes.

6. Washing and moisturizing: Lukewarm water should be used for washing the feet and the feet should be carefully dried afterward. Apply a moisturizing cream on all areas of the feet except for in between the toes, as this can cause a fungal infection.

7. Smoking: If the diabetic person smokes, it is highly advisable to quit smoking as it causes a decreased blood flow to the feet.

Compression stockings (also called compression hosiery) are designed to help promote circulation by improving blood flow and inhibiting coagulation in the legs. They are often prescribed to prevent, treat or slow the progression of certain conditions that affect circulation and the veins in the legs.

Blood flows away from the heart through the arteries, and returns to the heart through the veins. On the return trip from the lower extremities, blood is working against gravity, and there are a variety of conditions that can affect the body’s ability to properly transport blood back up the legs and to the heart.

Compression stockings are often used when a medical condition or injury prevents blood from flowing to the heart as well as it should. These stockings use a graduated compression that applies the most pressure around the ankles, which are the farthest from the heart, and gradually reduced pressure through the upper parts of the leg. The controlled pressure placed on the veins prevents fluid from accumulating and helps the blood to flow upward back to the heart. Different levels of compression are available depending on the needs of the patient.

Compression stockings are often recommended for patients with certain circulation related conditions, or to help with leg circulation after a medical procedure or surgery. Compression therapy may be recommended for a range of conditions from the treatment of tired, achy legs to the prevention of more serious conditions such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Other conditions for which compression therapy may be prescribed are lymphedema and chronic venous insufficiency. They are also prescribed for alleviating the pain, swelling and circulation issues that often occur during pregnancy.

Compression hosiery is available in different lengths depending on the needs of the wearer. Knee length and thigh length are two popular types, and full stockings are also available. Getting the proper fit is essential to the effectiveness of compression stockings for an individual. Compression stockings are medically prescribed and should be fitted by a medical professional for each individual. Improperly fitted compression stockings may make problems worse. Many insurance carries cover at least part of the cost of compression stockings when they are prescribed by a doctor.

Note: This information is not intended to supplement or replace advice from a medical professional, or to diagnose or treat any condition.

Diabetes symptoms come on gradually with no obvious signs such as a rash or cut. About a third of those who have type 2 diabetes have it for years without even realizing it.

Type 2 Diabetes Symptoms

Most often, diabetes is not diagnosed until you visit your doctor for other health reasons. Some of the signs to look for would be:

* Increased thirst - Excess sugar in your bloodstream can steal fluid from your bodys’ tissue, leaving you dehydrated and thirsty.
* Frequent need to urinate - This is a result from the extra drinks you consume to rehydrate your bodys’ tissue.
* Excess hunger - When you have a lack of insulin (what helps your cells process sugar into energy) the amount of energy present in your organs and muscles is greatly reduced. This leads to your body to desire extra food to replace what it has lost.
* Weight gain - This if from all the excess eating done in order to gain lost energy.
* Decreased or Blurred vision - When your blood sugar is too high, fluid may be taken from your eye tissue, affecting your ability to focus correctly.
* Slow healing sores - With type 2 diabetes your ability to fight infections and heal properly will take much longer.
* Frequent infections - You may see an increase in vaginal or bladder infections due to excess sugar in the urine.
* Fatigue - You may become tired if your cells are lacking their much needed energy.
* Numbness/tingling in your hands or feet - Diabetics tend to have poor circulation, therefore lacking proper sensation in the extremities.
* Impotency - This is due to poor circulation/improper blood flow.

Some type 2 diabetics have been known to have dark, velvety patches of skin in the creases/folds of their body (normally the neck or armpits.) This is a sign of insulin resistance called acanthosis nigricans.

There are many myths surrounding diabetes, and it can be hard to determine what is true and what is not. Many patients want to know if diabetes will really make them go blind. The fact is that the disease can certainly cause blindness, and is one of the top causes of blindness among adults. Equally important, however, is the realization that proper testing and eye care can often prevent the condition from occurring.

The vision problem that causes blindness in diabetics is also known as retinopathy. Retinopathy is damage to the eye due to blood flow problems. It causes decreased vision and when left untreated leads to blindness.

When your blood sugar is not well controlled, the blood vessels in the eye become weak. This leaks fluid into the part of the eye responsible for vision. Eventually the blood vessels close off, stopping blood flow to the retina. As the disease progresses, new blood vessels form. These vessels are quite fragile and bleed into the eyes causing severe vision problems and blindness.

Retinopathy occurs in approximately eight percent of patients in the first three years, with statistics rising to one quarter after five years and jumping to eighty percent after approximately fifteen years of being diagnosed with diabetes of any form. These percentages are quite large, but they do not mean that the same percentage of patients will go blind. They point instead to the reasons you should be tested annually for the problem.

When you have your vision checked annually, your eye doctor will be able to catch retinopathy in the early stages. In this stage, the condition is easily treatable. Controlling your blood sugar can also prevent the condition or help delay the onset and progression. It is very important to contact your eye doctor if you experience any vision changes including blurriness or trouble seeing clearly.

Blindness is still considered a side effect of diabetes even though it is preventable. Many patients do not have their vision tested often enough or fail to report symptoms. When you are diagnosed with diabetes, it becomes imperative that you have annual vision tests. When retinopathy is diagnosed early, it can be treated before symptoms become permanent and severe. Your vision is very important to your quality of life. If you are experiencing blurred vision or have not recently had your vision tested, seeking an eye exam is one of the best things you can do for yourself.