Diabetes and Your Feet

 

I have a few family member that have type 2 diabetes and some friends who have type 1. I was talking to them about how it affects there lives and the subject of feet came up and how they really have to take care of them because of the diabetes.

I found out that when you have diabetes you have to take very good care of your feet every day to prevent serious complications. Your feet are at risk because diabetes can cause damage to the nerves and the blood supply.

Damage is more likely

You have had diabetes for a long time

Your blood glucose levels have been too high for an extended period

You smoke

You are inactive.

Poor blood glucose control can cause nerve damage to feet. Symptoms include:

• Numbness
• Coldness of the legs
• A tingling, pins and needles sensation in the feet
• Burning pains in the legs and feet, usually more noticeable in bed at night.

These symptoms can result in a loss of sensation in the feet which increases the risk of accidental damage because you can’t feel any pain. An injury to the feet can develop into an ulcer on the bottom of a foot which can penetrate to the bone. This could lead to osteomyelitis and a chronic infection in the bones and joints. If an infection isn’t treated at the earliest signs, this could result in ulceration (an infected open sore) and eventually amputation (removal of a toe, foot or limb).

My sister in-law and friend use a diabetic insole in there shoe. This provides better pressure distribution ,soft tissue arch support and cushions and protects the entire base of the foot. They have found that having the insole makes it a lot easier to be on their feet all day as they do have sensitive feet.

Testimonial:
I bought these after suffering achilles tendinitis and plantar fasciitis in both feet for 2 plus years! The inserts have given me a good measure of relief that I never thought I would ever get again! Still a long way to go but at least I can walk around the house without wanting to cut my feet off! I am using them in a sling back sandal as I can't stand a shoe yet and am having trouble getting them to stay in place without having to resort to glue. I guess I will just have to buy more and glue them into every shoe I have :)
Jen

www.neatfeat.com