Coping/Complications

 Short-Term

 Long-Term

Diabetes can lead to foot problems, including infection and amputation, due to poor blood flow. Did you know that regular foot care is the best prevention?

Foot Problems:

• Damaged blood vessels result in poor blood flow, especially to areas farthest from the heart.
  
• Nerve damage can reduce the body's ability to sense problems (pain, heat or position) early.
  
• High blood glucose can reduce the body's healing ability.

Regular Preventive Foot Care

• Report problems to your doctor early.
  
• Take off your shoes and socks at every medical visit and have your doctor check your feet. This should include a test for lost sensation (feeling).
  
• Check feet (and legs) daily. Look between toes and on bottoms for sores, redness, infection, drainage, swelling, or bruises.
  
• See your doctor immediately if you find any of these problems.
  
• If you can't see the bottoms of your feet, use a mirror or have someone else check them for you.
  
• Never go barefoot.
  
• Wash your feet daily with soap and warm water. Test the water temperature with your elbow before putting your feet in.
  
• Dry your feet well and use lotion to keep skin from cracking. Don't put lotion between toes.
  
• File and clip toenails straight across to prevent ingrown toenails.
  
• Wear comfortable shoes that fit well from the start.
  
• Don't wear anything tight around your feet, ankles, or shins that might cut off circulation to the feet.
  
• Protect any area where sensation is lost.
  

Reprinted with permission from: InfoDek® © Copyright 2002