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10 Diabetes Foot Care Guidelines And Treatment Methods

Written by:

Anushka Tripathi

Published on: 01 Jan 2024

10 min

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Having diabetes is vulnerable, and it is more dangerous for the body parts, especially for the feet, because a person with diabetes has to take care of his or her feet every time and having foot issues with diabetic people is very common. Diabetes not controlled or managed can cause severe nerve damage and can cause life-threatening issues.

This comprehensive guide will explore essential diabetes foot care guidelines to help individuals with diabetes maintain optimal foot health. You will be shocked to know that India ranks second after China in the global diabetes epidemic, with 77 million people with diabetes. Of these, 12.1 million are aged below 65, which is estimated to increase to 27.5 million in 2045. Read the blog to know diabetes foot care guidelines.

1. Understanding The Impact Of Diabetes On Feet

2. Diabetes Foot Care Guidelines

3. How Do You Treat Diabetic Foot?

4. The Final Say

5. FAQs

6. References

Understanding The Impact Of Diabetes On Feet

If you have diabetes, having too much glucose in your blood for a long time can cause some severe complications, including foot problems. Diabetes can majorly cause two problems that can affect your feet:

1. Neuropathy

When the feet get damaged in diabetes, it can cause damaged nerves, which can affect the feet’s sensation, causing neuropathy issues. Loss of feeling, irritations, or injuries are the signs of neuropathy. You can always check with the doctor for awareness and regular examinations to prevent complications.

2. Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)

Reduced blood flow to the extremities, known as PAD, is another common issue for people with diabetes. This can slow down the healing process, increasing the risk of infections and other complications. Managing blood sugar levels, quitting smoking, and adopting a healthy lifestyle are key components of preventing PAD.

Also Read: Top 10 Foods That Help To Manage Diabetes

Diabetes Foot Care Guidelines

How do you treat diabetic foot? Here are some of the simple ways or diabetes foot care guidelines that you should know to take better care of your diabetic foot:

1. Regular Foot Examinations

Conducting daily foot inspections is paramount. Look for cuts, blisters, redness, swelling, or other abnormalities. If visibility is challenging, use a mirror or ask for assistance.

Also Read: Top 10 Foods That Help To Manage Diabetes

2. Proper Foot Hygiene

Washing your feet thoroughly with clean or warm water by applying a good and mild soap and drying it properly is crucial, and cleaning between the fingers is crucial to avoid any infections. In winter, people with diabetes should always try to avoid any dryness in their feet and constantly moisturise the feet while sleeping with lotion or medicated creams to avoid having any fungus.

3. Trimming Toenails Carefully

Trim toenails straight across and avoid cutting too close to the skin. People with ingrown toenails are at the risk of having problematic issues with diabetes. It is advisable to consult the podiatrist for trimming the ingrown nails to avoid any toe injuries.

4. Choosing The Right Footwear

Wearing proper shoes is crucial for individuals with diabetes. Choose shoes that provide support and cushioning and ensure they fit well to prevent friction and pressure points. Avoid tight shoes and opt for those made from breathable materials to reduce the risk of infections.

5. Managing Blood Sugar Levels

Consistently monitoring and managing blood sugar levels is fundamental in preventing diabetes-related complications, including those affecting the feet. High blood sugar can impair circulation and contribute to nerve damage. Seek help from a healthcare professional to establish an effective diabetes management plan.

6. Regular Exercise

Having good physical exercise can help to maintain a healthy weight and boost blood circulation in the body. It is better to consult a fitness expert to tailor your best exercise routine. As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), adults should practice at least 150 minutes of aerobic exercises or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity each week.

7. Quitting Smoking

Smoking exacerbates circulation problems, increasing the risk of complications for individuals with diabetes. Quitting smoking is a critical step towards preserving overall health, including the well-being of the feet.

8. Professional Foot Care

Regular visits to a podiatrist are essential to manage diabetes. A podiatrist can identify potential issues early, provide guidance on proper foot care, and address any existing problems. They can also assist with custom orthotics if necessary.

9. Managing Calluses And Corns

Do not attempt to remove calluses or corns at home, as this can lead to injuries. You must get medical help to address these issues safely. A podiatrist can provide proper care and guidance on preventing their recurrence.

10. Monitoring And Treating Infections Promptly

Always look for the signs and symptoms: swelling, redness, and warmth. These should be discussed with the doctor on an emergency basis as they can lead to more hazardous complications, and consulting the doctor can help.

How To Treat Diabetic Foot?

Wound Care	Keep the wound clean and dry. Clean the wound regularly with warm water and mild soap Apply a medicine as suggested by the doctor to avoid any other infection and to heal the wound. Cover the wound with a sterile dressing
Offloading Pressure	Reduce pressure on the affected foot using appropriate footwear, such as therapeutic shoes or custom orthotics. Avoid walking barefoot or wearing tight shoes
Blood Sugar Control	Maintain optimal blood sugar levels through medication, insulin, and lifestyle modifications. Consistently monitor blood glucose levels as advised by healthcare providers
Infection Management	Antibiotic therapy may be necessary if an infection is present. For intravenous antibiotic treatment in severe cases, hospitalisation is required.
Debridement	To promote healing, infected tissue or dead skin can be removed if required. A podiatrist or healthcare professional can do this process
Vascular Interventions	Vascular surgery is recommended to improve blood flow. Angioplasty can be done for individuals with peripheral arterial disease (PAD)
Offloading Devices	In some cases, offloading devices, such as braces or casts, may be used to relieve pressure on specific areas of the foot
Regular Monitoring	Regular follow-up appointments with healthcare professionals, including podiatrists and diabetes specialists, are crucial to monitor the progress of treatment and address any emerging issues promptly
Lifestyle Modifications	You should adopt a healthy lifestyle, practise exercise regularly, and a balanced diet to promote overall health and manage diabetes effectively
Patient Education	Educate the patient on proper foot care practices, including daily inspections, hygiene, and the importance of seeking prompt medical attention for any issues
Collaborative Care	Establish a collaborative approach involving various healthcare professionals, including endocrinologists, podiatrists, vascular specialists, and wound care specialists
Amputation Prevention	Aggressively manage and treat foot complications to prevent the need for amputation. A multidisciplinary approach and early intervention are crucial for preventing severe outcomes.

The Final Say

Prioritising foot care is a vital aspect of diabetes management. By incorporating these guidelines into daily life, diabetic patients can significantly reduce the risk of complications and maintain optimal foot health. Consistency and awareness are key—regular self-examinations, adherence to a diabetes management plan, and seeking professional help when needed contribute to a proactive and effective approach to diabetes foot care.

FAQs

1. What is proper foot care for diabetics?

Cleaning, cutting toenails regularly, and self-examining the toe are the best foot care routines for diabetics.

2. What is the main cause of diabetic foot?

Poor glycemic control, improper foot care, and dry skin are the main causes of diabetic foot.

3. Is diabetic foot curable?

No, diabetic foot cannot be curable.

4. What is the best ointment for treating diabetic foot wounds?

The ointment depends on the individual's requirements. There is no specific ointment that works for all.

5. What is the first rule of diabetic foot care?

Cleaning thoroughly is the first rule of diabetic foot care.

6. What is the best foot care product for diabetics?

Well, it depends upon your choice and needs, but if you follow these above-mentioned diabetes foot care guidelines, then you will not need any separate product.

References

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