Diabetes can cause nerve damage, called peripheral neuropathy, that makes you lose feeling in your feet. This can be a disaster if you're walking around without foot protection. Diabetes can also compromise your circulation. Your feet are far away from your heart, and blood flow reduces to your soles, heels, and toes.
This is because diabetes damages your nerves and reduces blood flow (circulation) to your feet, which can cause serious foot problems. About 1 in 5 people with diabetes who go to the hospital do so for foot problems. But if you inspect and take care of your feet every day, you can prevent many of these problems.
Is going barefoot okay with my diabetes? Diabetes is the leading cause of limb amputations in the United States, with most cases stemming from an inability to feel a minor injury and subsequent infection. As a result, people with diabetes should never walk barefoot—even indoors.
An elevated blood sugar level in the body may lead to a condition known as diabetes. It can damage the nerves in the feet and it can be difficult to feel existing cuts, bruises, or scrapes.
Do not put oils or creams between your toes. The extra moisture can lead to infection. Also, don't soak your feet—that can dry your skin. Calluses occur more often and build up faster on the feet of people with diabetes.
Myth: People with diabetes can't cut their own toenails
Not true: the general advice on toenail cutting applies to everyone. If you have diabetes you should keep your nails healthy by cutting them to the shape of the end of your toes.
Tingling, burning, or pain in your feet. Loss of sense of touch or ability to feel heat or cold very well. A change in the shape of your feet over time. Loss of hair on your toes, feet, and lower legs.
Steer clear of sandals, flip-flops, or other open-toe shoes. Straps can put pressure on parts of your foot, leading to sores and blisters. Open-toe shoes can make you prone to injuries like cuts. It's also easier for gravel and small stones to get inside them.
Avoid shoes made entirely of rubber, which can trap moisture and lead to infection. Check for a cushioned sole. Your ideal shoe should have a thick shock-absorbing sole and reduce pressure on the bottom of your foot. Avoid sneakers that have limited cushioning in the sole and can cause ulcers or blisters.
If you have diabetes, you should not wear regular shoes. Diabetic shoes can help you preserve your limbs because nonhealing wounds can cause a severe infection that warrants having an amputation.
Men with diabetes are 3x more likely to have trouble getting or keeping an erection. There can be several reasons for this, such as limited blood flow, nerve damage (neuropathy) and damaged blood vessels. It can also be down to medication or just how you're feeling at the time.
Diabetes Belly Fat is a sign that the body is failing. Stomach fat is linked to Heart failure in the diabetic. Lack of good insulin causes the body to store fat at the waist.
Do not eat white bread, chips, and pastries, which quickly increase blood sugar. Avoid processed foods and meats as they will be rich in salt and oil. Restrict fried and fatty foods. Do not take full fat dairy products.
Government sources recommend cotton and wool socks for diabetic patients to help keep feet dry. 4,5 They also reinforce the need to wear socks at all times. Many do not make specific fabric recommendations, but they do suggest that people avoid tight socks.
In general, most insurance companies will replace a pair of diabetic shoes every two years. Diabetic shoes that are worn daily will generally need replacing by that time. Getting new shoes is just one way for people with diabetes to care for their feet.
Very strenuous activity, heavy lifting or straining and isometric exercise. Most moderate activity such as walking, moderate lifting, weight lifting with light weights and high repetitions, stretching.
Snacks and glucose tablets. Extra insulin and diabetes medicines.
Diabetic dermopathy appears as pink to red or tan to dark brown patches, and it is most frequently found on the lower legs. The patches are slightly scaly and are usually round or oval. Long-standing patches may become faintly indented (atrophic).
Diabetic neuropathy is common and can't be reversed. However, you can manage it through a variety of ways. These include: managing blood glucose levels.
There is currently no way to reverse diabetic neuropathy, although scientists are working on future treatments. For now, the best approach is to manage blood sugar levels through medication and lifestyle changes. Keeping glucose within target levels can reduce the risk of developing neuropathy and its complications.
For most people with diabetes, fruits — including bananas — are a healthy choice. However, some people who are following low carb diets need to watch their total carbohydrate intake to stay within their daily carb allotment. This means foods higher in carbs, including bananas, have to be limited on low carb diets.
Medicare will cover the treatment of corns, calluses, and toenails once every 61 days in persons having certain systemic conditions. Examples of such conditions include: Diabetes with peripheral arterial disease, peripheral arterial disease, peripheral neuropathy, and chronic phlebitis.
Drink in Moderation
Most people with diabetes can enjoy some alcohol. Rules are the same as for everyone else: one drink per day for women; two for men. But you need to know how alcohol affects your blood sugar. A sugary drink might spike your blood sugar.