Why Is Foot Care Such a Big Deal in the Diabetes Community?

Key Takeaways

• Diabetes causes poor circulation, nerve damage, and a weakened immune system.
• Nerve damage can cause injuries to go unnoticed, leading to infections.
• Poor circulation and a weakened immune system make it difficult for the body to heal wounds and fight infections.

Living with diabetes is a daily struggle. You’re constantly juggling multiple tasks, including managing blood sugar, medications, and diet, and all while experiencing mental and emotional exhaustion. It can all be overwhelming.

With so many responsibilities and stressful feelings, it’s easy to overlook foot care. However, this side of diabetes management is absolutely critical and must not be ignored or delayed. The potential cost is too high.

For people with diabetes, the need for foot care goes far beyond staying comfortable and hygienic. Feet-related complications can lead to severe health issues. Failing to diligently and proactively take care of your feet is quite literally risking life and limb.

Here’s everything you need to know about foot care.

The Diabetes-Feet Connection

There are three main reasons why diabetes affects the feet: poor circulation, nerve damage, and a weakened immune system.

Poor Circulation

High blood glucose levels can lead to a buildup of plaque in blood vessels, causing them to harden and narrow, which restricts the flow of blood and oxygen.

The body’s natural healing processes require blood and oxygen. So, even a small wound may not heal properly, significantly increasing the risk of infection. And, if an infection occurs, the problem can compound upon itself due to the body’s inability to fight back.

In severe cases, tissues may be so starved for blood that they’re unable to survive, which can lead to gangrene and even amputation.

Nerve Damage

Over time, the damage to blood vessels can starve nerve fibers of essential nutrients and oxygen, preventing them from delivering important signals like pain, pressure, and temperature changes. Damaged nerves may also cause new sensations, such as pain, burning, or tingling.

When you’re unable to feel injuries, they can easily go unnoticed and worsen. This is compounded by the body’s inability to adequately heal.

Weakened Immune System

The damage caused by chronic high blood sugar can also compromise the immune system, further reducing the body’s ability to heal injuries and combat infections.

The Domino Effect

All three of these factors are connected, which can cause seemingly minor injuries to snowball and quickly get out of control. Here’s an example of what that cycle can look like:

• Friction from a sock causes a blister that goes unnoticed due to nerve damage.
• Poor circulation prevents the body from healing itself quickly, so infection sets in.
• Poor circulation and a weakened immune system prevent the body from eliminating the infection.
• The infection spreads and deepens, turning into an open sore or ulcer.
• The sore or ulcer leads to an even worse infection and potentially tissue death.
• Amputation is required to prevent the infection from continuing to spread throughout the body.

While this is an extreme example, and not every injury will have such devastating consequences, it highlights why foot care is so necessary.

How to Properly Take Care of Your Feet

Proactive, preventative foot care is the key to avoiding complications. The goal is to stop even minor injuries from occurring in the first place, and then notice and treat them immediately should they occur.

Wear Specialized Socks

Diabetic ankle socks have a seamless design that reduces the risk of friction-related injuries like blisters. They have built-in support and cushioning and non-elastic fabrics that don’t reduce circulation. Bamboo socks are a popular choice for their moisture-wicking properties. Some people prefer tan, gray, or white diabetic socks so they can visibly detect blood drops.

Inspect Your Feet Regularly

Thoroughly inspect every inch of your feet throughout the day, especially after performing rigorous activities or going outdoors. A telescoping foot mirror is a very helpful tool, especially for people who have mobility issues.

In addition to injuries, redness, and abnormalities, keep a close eye out for corns, calluses, and bunions, and use the appropriate treatments when they occur.

Wash, Dry, and Moisturize

Wash your feet regularly with a mild soap and lukewarm water. Take care to dry them thoroughly (especially between the toes), as moisture can lead to fungal infections.

Moisturizing creams and lotions can be used to prevent or soothe dryness and cracking. Avoid moisturizing between your toes, as moisture can lead to fungal infections.

Choose the Right Shoes

Make sure your shoes fit properly and don’t slip or rub. People with diabetes should never walk around barefoot, even indoors at home. Wear socks and shoes for protection, and always inspect the inside of your shoes before putting them on.

Orthotics and supports, cushions and liners, and other forms of padding can improve comfort and reduce the chance of injury.

Treat Wounds Immediately

You should have a comprehensive set of wound care supplies on hand at all times, including bandages, dressings, gels and liquids, tapes, wraps, pads, swabs, and wipes.

This guide may be helpful: The Best Diabetic Wound Dressings for Ulcers.

Take Extra Care of Your Toes

In addition to vigilantly washing and drying between your toes, consider using products for toes. Toe spacers, toe relaxers, toe straighteners, toe separators, and toe cushions can ease discomfort and prevent complications.

Use straight-edge toenail clippers to prevent your toenails from becoming overgrown. Curved clippers can cause ingrown toenails, so make sure to use the straight-edge style.

Save on Foot Care Essentials

We hope this guide has made it clear how important it is to take care of your feet! While you’re here, there’s no better time to stock up on diabetes foot care essentials.

ADW Diabetes is the ultimate one-stop shop for affordable diabetic supplies from medical brands you know and trust.

We have a massive selection of discount diabetic supplies and health and wellness products, including insulin syringes, diabetic pen needles, diabetes testing kits, and the least expensive glucose test strips, just to name a few. Shop now!