How to care for diabetic feet

Diabetics continue to grow in number. Here are some pointers to consider in caring for diabetic feet to spare diabetic feet from getting worse.

• Do not smoke. It decreases the blood supply to your feet.
• Never walk barefoot, whether indoors or out.
• Examine your feet daily for redness, warmth, blisters,ulcers,scratches,cuts and nail problems from shoes or other sources. Look at the bottom of your feet and between the toes. Use a mirror or have someone else look for you.
• Call your doctor immediately if you experience any injury to your foot. Even a minor injury is an emergency for a patient with diabetes.
• Examine your shoes for foreign objects, protruding nails and rough spots inside before putting them on. Look and feel.
• Buy shoes late in the day. Do not wear new shoes more than two hours at a time. Rotate your shoes. Do not wear the same shoes ones every day.
• Never wear sandals or thongs.
• Lubricate your entire foot if your skin is dry, but avoid putting cream between your toes.
• Do not soak your feet. Skin can break down and won't heal well.