Why is Foot Care Important for People with Diabetes ?

In a fast-paced life, a minor foot injury - cuts, bruises or even bug bites - may not bother you as that could be easily treated with appropriate medical care. However, for people with diabetes, it could be a cause of concern as it becomes difficult to heal. If you have diabetes, there are chances that you experience diabetes foot ulcer as diabetes damages the flow of your nerves and hampers blood flow to the feet. One may also feel nothing, even if you hurt your feet or have minor injuries due to high sugar levels. Diabetes also leads to dry skin around your feet, resulting in cracked heels, ulcers or sores. Controlled sugar levels can help keep your feet unharmed. 

Care Health Insurance’s Care Freedom is one of the top-selling health insurance for diabetes and other lifestyle diseases related complications. Let’s shed some light on what diabetic foot is and how to prevent yourself from falling prey to it.

What Are Diabetic Foot Ulcers?

Diabetic foot ulcers are the most prevalent complications for those who have diabetes which is not well controlled. It usually happens due to poor glycemic control, peripheral vascular, underlying Neurotherapy or improper foot care. Detecting a diabetic foot ulcer at an early stage can save you from prolonged treatment and hassle. If you take an interprofessional recommendation, you will find a cure that will heal and prevent you from getting it again. Also, conscious eating ensures that such conditions stay at bay if you are a diabetic. Thus, a diet plan for diabetes is one of the best measures you can take to not let diabetic foot ulcers grow.

How Does Diabetes Affect Your Feet?

High blood sugar levels over a prolonged period can lead to nerve damage, infections and circulation problems. This could result in foot problems. A foot problem could reflect skin discolouration, redness, numbness, pain, tingling, blisters, etc. In some cases, there could be fever, chills and shaking.

The complications that arise due to diabetes are:

Diabetic Neuropathy

This condition involves nerve damage that can make a person lose skin sensations and experience numbness in the feet accompanied by infection, soreness or irritation. Sometimes, their muscles may not function properly, or pressure is created on one part of the foot.

Lack of sensations may increase the risk of cuts and blisters, which could be problematic. If proper treatment is not given, it could lead to the development of infections, ulcers or gangrene, in the worst case, requiring amputation.

Peripheral Vascular Disease

High blood sugar alters the blood vessels, including arteries. Owing to fatty deposits, the vessels reaching beyond the brain and heart get blocked. Proper blood flow is essential for healing a sore or cut. However, diabetes causes poor blood flow in the extremities, such as the arms and legs. This increases the risks of pain, wounds, and infection, which would take longer to heal.

Diabetic Foot Symptoms

Don’t delay to see your doctor if you experience any of the below-mentioned symptoms-

• Tingling or burning sensation in your feet
• Sore feet
• Constant pain in legs or cramps around thighs, calves or buttocks while performing any physical activity.
• Lost sense of feeling the heat, cold or touch
• Changed shape of feet over time
• Dry and cracked heels
• Change in colour and temperature of feet
• Yellow and thick toenails
• Fungus infections (athlete’s foot) between toes
• An ingrown toenail, ulcer, blister, or infected corn.

Tips to Take Care of Feet if You Are Diabetic

You can prevent chronic issues such as diabetic foot ulcers if you take care of your feet religiously. Below are some helpful tips that will work as a diabetic foot ulcer treatment-

• Keep a check on your feet for cuts, sores, swelling, ulcers, corns or any other unusual change that could be alarming.
• Wash your feet daily in lukewarm water and dry them thoroughly, following with the lotion. Do not leave anything moist in between your toes.
• Always wear shoes or slippers to avoid injury while walking, even inside the house.
• Wear shoes that fit your size along with socks.
• Trim your toenails gently and regularly by avoiding sharp edges.
• Don’t attempt to remove corns or calluses by yourself. Always consult your doctor for any concerns.
• Keep your feet elevated while sitting, and move your toes throughout the day to keep the blood flow in check.

Make sure to see your doctor when you feel anything is alarming.

Diabetics can prevent serious foot complications by making conscious choices. Regular doctor’s appointments and home care can work in your favour.However, the treatment for diabetes can get very expensive due to specialised visits and procedures, this makes it very important to have a comprehensive health insurance plan. Care Freedom is one such medical insurance plan which offers cover for diabetes treatment and is available in both individual and family floater cover.