Diabetes and foot care.
If blood glucose level remains high for a long period  of time, it may cause problems that can harm your feet. The causative factors for foot problems include nerve malfunction and inadequate blood flow due to diabetes.
 Nerve malfunction. In a case of diabetic neuropathy, there is limited or no sensation of pain and temperature in lower limbs. That means if a small wound, sore or blister occurs, it may remain unnoticed and untreated. In people suffering from diabetes, such injuries are crucial, although they are minor. This is, because they can get infected and result in very serious problems, as it is explained below.
Inadequate blood flow. This problem is called peripheral vascular disease. Poor blood circulation reduces healing ability and helps any present infection to spread. Peripheral vascular disease results in impaired oxygen supply, which in turn helps the increase of anaerobic germs. What is more, reduced blood flow prevents adequate amounts of white blood cells to reach the infected area. These white blood cells are major anti-bacterial, defensive factors and the total or partial absence of them from a certain part of the body makes this area vulnerable and susceptible to infections.
The above problems can coexist and cause severe foot problems on a long term basis. As it has been mentioned, if the skin gets damaged, the problem may remain unnoticed because of the impaired sensation. If the sore is neglected, it can become infected and deteriorate rapidly, especially if the blood flow is not sufficient.
In a case that the wound or blister gets infected and blood glucose is high, the extra glucose may contribute to further germ cultivation and worsen the situation. Under such circumstances, the inflammation gets persistent, the wound does not heal properly and the infection may spread in deeper anatomical elements. If the bone or/and the marrow get affected, the conditions caused are called osteitis or osteomyelitis respectively. Gangrene is the most common complication, though. When a person suffers from gangrene, the tissues around the sore mortify and the affected area gets dark and smelly. Certain measures are required urgently. Otherwise, the above complication will lead to septicemia. This is a severe general condition and in most of the cases is fatal, since bacteria insert the blood stream and spread into the entire body. In such a dramatic situation, amputation of the limb is the only option. It has to be mentioned that nearly 70% of the amputations happen due to diabetes.
Guidelines for foot care, in people with diabetes.
Try to keep your skin reasonably moist. After you have a bath, dry your feet thoroughly and apply a moisturizing lotion, like Atopalm. Massage gently until the moisturizer is absorbed. In order to prevent any fungal infection, be careful not to leave any moisture or lotion between the toes. Try the following link to be guided how to find Atopalm MLE body lotion online.
Do not neglect to trim your toenails, whenever this is necessary. If you cannot do this on your own, you can seek for help. Remember that toenails are far softer and easier to be cut and filed, after we have a bath or shower.
Inspect your feet or legs on a regular basis. Ask for advice how to treat any existing foot problems.
There are reliable means that can help you to ease or eliminate foot problems. There is a wide range of such aids and if you follow this foot health aids link, you will be guided to find such products online.
Always use soft-leathered shoes and comfortable slippers, in order to keep your feet free from any injuries.
Stockings and cotton socks or tights will prevent friction between the foot and shoe. This, in turn, will minimize any risk for sores and blisters. Socks and stockings should be reasonably loose and not to prevent good blood circulation.
Use soft special layers to make your shoes more comfortable. Try the previous link and you will be guided how to find these materials online.
If necessary, use special therapeutic shoes. The common shoes that are available in the market may not be suitable for you, if your feet are permanently swollen, enlarged or have changed beyond the normal shape. These special shoes must still be able to fit properly and provide protection and comfort. Check whether your health insurance company covers such a purchase. Try the small banner in the right column of this page to find such shoes online.
Quit smoking. When you have diabetes, smoking makes blood flow problems a lot worse.
Always remember to take your diabetes medication at the same time each day.
See also Diabetes and Foot Problems, Foot Ulcers, Diabetes and Skin problems.
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