Steps you can take to keep your feet healthy!
Steps you can take
There are some important steps you can take to manage your diabetes and keep your feet healthy:
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- Keep your blood sugar under control. This is the number one risk factor for developing diabetic neuropathy, and that can cause you to lose feeling in your feet. High blood sugar damages the nerves and blood vessels in your feet. Check your blood sugar as often as your healthcare practitioner recommends and keep a record of your blood sugar readings. This will help you and your practitioner spot any changes in your blood sugar control. Be sure to have your Hemoglobin A1C checked when your practitioner recommends, too.
- If you are a smoker, quit smoking! Smoking damages the blood vessels in your body, and that can lead to poor blood flow to your feet.
- Keep your blood pressure under control. High blood pressure can also damage the blood vessels in your body.
- Never go barefoot! We can't stress that enough. Wear shoes or slippers with sturdy soles, even in your house.
- Inspect your feet every day. This will help you spot any problem early.
- Avoid injuries to your feet. Click on "Common causes of injury" on the menu above (under "more") for more information.
- Take good care of the skin on your feet and legs. Click on "Taking care of your feet" on the menu above for more information.
Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons, and licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. http://www.commons.wikimedia.org