If you’re diabetic, you have to maintain an extra-vigilant watch on your body to determine what it’s telling you. Two of the most frequently neglected parts of the body are something that you cannot take for granted—your feet. Unfortunately, being diabetic means that you need to keep a very close eye (one for each foot) on your podiatric well-being. It’s not uncommon for diabetics to lose feeling in their feet over time, which means that as you grow older, your feet become liabilities. The good news, however, is that you can easily incorporate daily foot checks into your routine with a few simple activities and effectively stay one step ahead of your feet.
- Check Your Feet Everyday—During middle of the day, after work, or anytime you come home after being out, check soles for cuts, scratches, blisters, etc. If you can’t see the bottoms of your feet for some reason, then ask for assistance, or use a mirror. Don’t just ignore this daily task.
- Wear Socks and Shoes—Think of socks and shoes like you do the seatbelt in your car. Don’t head out until you know that everything is secure and where it should be. A sock that falls, rubs, or irritates can go unnoticed and end up causing you pain or a trip to the doctor.
- When Wearing Socks and Shoes Choose Comfort—It’s a fact that fashion and function don’t always go together, but when dealing with diabetes, you need to go with what’s comfortable. Don’t wear socks that are too tight, or shoes that cause discomfort.
- Keep Your Feet Squeaky Clean—Take the time to wash your feet every day. This means scheduling time for some foot maintenance beginning with washing. While you’re at it, however, you may as well take the time to trim your nails, carefully smooth rough patches, and whatever else you may be facing.
- Don’t Go Around Barefoot—The National Diabetes Education Program recommends always wearing something on your feet to protect them from hot and cold surfaces as well as potentially stepping on something sharp.
As a diabetic, you’re probably well aware of having the number of a good doctor on hand. Take the extra step and make sure you have a good podiatrist in mind as well. No matter how well you take care of your body, nothing can replace the care of a medical expert.
