Take care of your feet

Prevent serious problems

Foot care is very important for people with diabetes, especially if you have loss of feeling in your feet, changes in the shape of your feet, foot ulcers, or sores that do not heal.

Nerve damage can cause you to lose feeling in your feet. You may not feel a pebble inside your sock that is causing a sore or you may not feel a blister caused by poorly fitting shoes. Foot injuries such as these can cause ulcers, which may lead to amputation.

Keeping your blood glucose in good control and taking care of your feet every day can help you avoid serious foot problems.

Talk to your doctor about the right way to follow these suggested tips from the national Diabetes Education Program:

• Take care of your diabetes.
  
• Check your feet every day.
  
• Wash your feet every day.
  
• Keep the skin soft and smooth.
  
• Smooth corns and calluses gently.
  
• Trim your toenails each week or when needed.
  
• Wear shoes and socks at all times.
  
• Protect your feet from heat and cold.
  
• Keep the blood flowing to your feet.