Diabetics Should Watch Their Step This Summer

Foot care is especially important in the open-toed months

SUNDAY, June 16, 2002 (HealthDayNews) -- Summer can be a treacherous time for diabetics who don't take care of their feet.

Whether it's playing on the beach and swimming or walking in sandals or open-toed shoes, people with diabetes have to guard their feet against the risk of injuries that could lead to serious complications or even amputation.

Poor circulation associated with the disease can result in diminished sensation and ability to feel pain, so diabetics may have suffered a foot injury without even knowing it.

Here are five safety tips for diabetics from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles:

  • Maintain proper glucose levels. It should be lower than 126mg/dl on a consistent basis. You can do this through regular exercise and paying close attention to how often and what you eat. Consult your doctor or nutritionist to develop a personal diet plan.
  • Wear shoes at all times. Diabetics should never walk barefoot, even indoors. Something as minor as a toe stub can lead to a serious foot ulcer. At the beach, hidden hazards in the sand can break the skin and lead to serious infections. Closed-toe beach shoes will help protect you.
  • Buy shoes that are the perfect fit. If they're too big or too small, you could develop blisters or calluses. Have your feet measured every time you buy shoes. Adult feet can change four or five times over a lifetime. Weight fluctuations, weather and poor circulation can change the shape and size of your feet. Heat and activity can cause temporary swelling of your feet, so it's best to shop for shoes at the end of the day.
  • Inspect your feet daily. Use a magnifying mirror if you're not flexible enough to see the underside of your foot. Check between the toes and at the heel. Before putting on shoes, check them for debris that may irritate or injure your feet.
  • Make regular visits to your podiatrist. During the summer, feet are more at risk for fungal infections and calluses. For diabetics, fungal infections like athlete's foot can lead to dangerous complications.

    More information

    The American Podiatric Medical Association has this information that explaining how diabetes affects your lower extremities.

Related Stories

No stories found.
logo
www.healthday.com