Have diabetes? Look at your feet…

Diabetes is a disease with high blood sugar. But neglecting it may cause serious problem like neuropathy (loss of feeling in your feet or hands) or get an infection. Neuropathy occurs in more than 70 percentage of case. This may also result in amputations of your limbs. In order to reduce risk of neuropathy and prevent yourself from amputation, take into account these foot care tips…

1. Inspect your feet daily - especially if you have no feeling or if you feel less sense in your feet. Check the tops, soles, sides, heels, and the area in between the toes. If you cannot look at your feet properly, use mirror. Wounds may not be visible and you could develop problems that may result in amputations. In such case contact your doctor for further consultation.

2. Use shocks/ slippers/shoes while going around, even indoors. Don’t go with your bare feet outside.

3. Be more concerned with your lumps and bumps. Check with your physician for the best way to care for them.

4. Wash your feet daily in warm water with mild soap. Hot water may damage your skin. And don't soak your feet because it could dry your skin and form cracks or sores. Also your diabetes may not be able to sense warmth of water with your feet.

5. Dry your feet properly, as there is a chance to develop infection in wet feet. Take extra care to dry your feet, especially between your toes. Do not blow hot air to make it dry as there is chance of getting skin crack.

6. Keep blood circulation maintained by regular exercise of your feet. Even when you are relaxing, rotate your ankles; wiggle your toes or move your legs up and down. Feet exercises help you boycott upcoming problems. Do not forget to eat balanced diet with more fruits and veggies.

7. Visit your doctor at least once a year concerning your feet to get your feet professionally checked. Make sure your regular examinations don’t miss ABCs (A1c, blood pressure, and cholesterol)

Take continuous care of your feet. Get help from a relative or professional; Doctor, diabetic nurse or podiatrist if you are not able to bend when trimming nails or checking for sores. Taking these simple actions will help you reduce the risk of amputations.