Diabetes management from a Doctor friend

If you have diabetes or have a family member who has diabetes, please remember and remind them to take very good care of the feet. A LOT of complications can be prevented if all diabetics are educated about foot care right at first diagnosis.

Diabetic patients should at all times keep their feet covered. Wear light footwear even at home. Keep the soles and ankles well moisturised. Wear pure cotton socks and change them often. Wash the spaces between toes while bathing and completely dry them without fail

While going out, wear completely closed shoes preferably, but perfectly fitting ones. Not too tight, not shoes that bite. Attend to any shoebites or cuts immediately. Inspect your feet frequently with a hand mirror from all sides for any small injuries/boils

Keep sugar levels under control always. Check your Vitamin B12 levels and supplement them through diet or through medications. See your diabetologist for any sort of numbness/ tingling sensation or frequent slipping of footwear from the feet. These could be signs of neuropathy

Watch for any change in color of skin and seek medical attention. Ensure that feet and toes are warm. In case of cold/dark toes, see the doctor. Watch for claudication ( severe pain in calf muscles after walking short distances). It indicates PVD (peripheral vascular disease)

A good diabetologist not only treats high sugar but also makes his patient aware of what to expect and how to prevent it. Dietary guidelines, keeping other comorbidities in check, periodic retina check, watching for microalbuminuria and foot care are all part of diabetes care. more