Foot Care for People with Diabetes

Diabetes Support Group Meeting Highlights
July 21, 2009

> Areas of Care > Diabetes Care > Diabetes Support Group > Foot Care

On Tuesday, July 21, JoEllen Neefe, Nutritionist at Prairie Clinic, spoke to the Diabetes Support Group on the importance of taking care of your feet. Foot care is important for people with diabetes, especially if you have loss of feeling in your feet; changes in the shape of your feet; or foot ulcers or sores that do not heal.

Proper foot care starts with taking care of your diabetes:

• Keep your blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol under good control by making healthy lifestyle choices.
• Choose your foods wisely, be physically active, and monitor your blood sugar.

Ten tips for proper foot care:

1. Check your feet daily
   • Inspect your feet for cuts, sores, swelling, and infected toenails.
   • If you cannot see your feet, use a mirror or ask someone to help.
2. Wash your feet daily
   • Wash, do not soak, your feet in warm, but not hot water.
   • Dry your feet and between your toes thoroughly.
3. Keep your feet soft and smooth.
   • Apply lotion on the tops and bottoms of your feet; not in between your toes.
4. Care for corns and calluses as prescribed
   • Ask your Provider or Podiatrist about the best way to care for corns, calluses, or warts.
   • Never cut corns or calluses.
5. Trim toenails weekly or as needs
   • Trim your toenails straight across; never cut the corners of the toenail.
   • Have a foot doctor trim you toenails if you cannot see well; if you cannot reach your feet; if your toenails are thick or discolored; or if your nails curve and grow into the skin.
6. Wear shoes and socks at all times.
   • Never walk barefoot - even indoors.
   • Wear well-fitting shoes that protect your feet.
7. Protect your feet from extreme temperatures
   • Wear shoes and keep your feet away from very hot or very cold surfaces.
8. Maintain blood flow to your feet
   • Rotate and wiggle your toes frequently, especially if sitting for long periods of time.
   • Do not sit cross-legged for extended periods of time.
   • Do not smoke.
9. Be physically active every day
   • Walk, swim, or bike every day.
   • Wear athletic shoes that fit well and provide good support.
10. Get started now
    • Schedule a time every day to check your feet.
    • Call your health care team right away if you find a cut, sore, discolored or ingrown toenail, blister, or bruise on you foot that does not begin to heal after 1 day.

Other Important Links

• American Diabetes Association: www.diabetes.org
• National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: www.niddk.nih.gov
• Center for Disease Control: www.cdc.gov/diabetes/pubs/facts
• Prairie Clinic: Diabetic Care
• Prairie Clinic: Diabetes Support Group
• Prairie Clinic: Healthy Nutrition

If you would like more information on this topic or have other questions regarding diabetes, please speak with your provider or plan on attending the next diabetes support meeting on August 18 where we will be talking about Carbohydrate Counting. For more information, please call Rita at 644-2458.