DIABETES

Definition: Diabetes is a serious disease that may develop from lack of insulin production in the body or due to the inability of the body's insulin to perform its everyday functions. Insulin is a substance produced by the pancreas gland. It helps process the food we eat and it turns it into energy.

Diabetes affects approximately 18 million Americans. It is classified into two different types. Type 1 is usually associated with juvenile diabetes and is also due to heredity. Type 2, commonly referred to as adult onset diabetes, is characterized by elevated blood sugars, often in people who are overweight or have not attended to their diet properly.

Many complications can be associated with diabetes. Diabetes is a multisystem disease affecting the vascular system and many organs of the body including the kidneys. People with diabetes should pay special attention to their feet.

NEUROPATHY

Of the 18 million people with diabetes in America 25% will develop foot problems. Diabetic foot conditions develop from a combination of causes including poor circulation and neuropathy. Diabetic neuropathy can cause loss of sensation, and the inability to feel pain, heat and cold. Diabetics, suffering neuropathy can develop minor cuts, scrapes, blisters or pressure sores that they may not be aware of due to the lack of sensation. If these minor injuries are left untreated, complications may result and lead to ulceration and possibly the need for an amputation. Neuropathy can also cause deformities such as bunions, hammertoes and Charcot feet.

POOR CIRCULATION

Diabetes often leads to peripheral vascular disease that affects a person's blood circulation to the lower extremities. With this condition there is narrowing of the arteries that leads to decreased circulation to the legs and feet. Poor circulation contributes to diabetic foot problems by reducing the amount of oxygen supplied to the skin and other tissues causing injuries to heal poorly. Poor circulation can also lead to swelling and dryness of the foot. Preventing foot complications is critical for the diabetic patient because poor circulation impairs the healing process and can lead to ulcers, infection, and other serious foot conditions.

TREATMENT AND PREVENTION

Footwear and orthotics play an important role in diabetic foot care. Orthotics designed with Plastazote foam, a material used to protect the insensitive diabetic foot is usually recommended. Plastazote is a material designed to accommodate pressure "hot spots" by heat and pressure. By customizing to the foot, Plastazote orthotics provides comfort and protection needed in diabetic foot care.

Diabetic footwear should provide a high wide toe box, removable insoles for fitting flexibility and the option to insert orthotics if necessary.

If you are diabetic you should pay special attention to any problems you are having with your feet. It is important for diabetics with neuropathy to take necessary precautions to prevent injury and keep their feet healthy. If you have diabetes and experience any foot problem immediately consult your foot doctor.

DIABETIC FOOT CARE TIPS

Take care of your diabetes: Make healthy lifestyle choice to keep your blood sugar close to normal.

Check your feet everyday: You may have foot problems that you may not be aware of. Check your feet for cuts, sores, red spots, swelling or infected toenails. Checking your feet should become part of your daily routine. If you have trouble bending over to see your feet, use a mirror or ask a family member to help you.

Wash your feet everyday: Wash your feet in warm water. Do not soak your feet because you skin will get dry. Dry your feet well. Be sure to dry between your toes.

Keep the skin soft and smooth: Rub a thin coat of skin lotion or cream on the bottom of your feet. Do not put lotion between your toes because this might cause infection.

Visit your podiatrist: Go on a regular basis to have your toenails trimmed.

Wear shoes and socks at all times: Do not walk barefoot not even indoors. It is easy to step on something that hurts your feet. Wear seamless socks to avoid the possibility of blisters and sores developing. Be sure to wear socks made of material to help keep your feet dry such as a blended sock with cotton and Orlon, nylon or rayon.

Protect your feet from hot and cold: Wear shoes at a beach or on a hot pavement. Put a sunscreen on the tops of your feet for protection from the sun. Keep your feet away or radiators or open fires. Do not use hot water bottles or heating pads on your feet.

Keep the blood flowing to your feet: Put your feet up when you are sitting. Wiggle your toes for a total of 5 minutes two to three times a day. Do not cross your legs for long periods of time. Do not wear tight socks. Do not smoke. Smoking reduces blood flow to your feet.

This website is maintained to facilitate access to information about foot health and to provide information about footcare products. The content of this website, such as text, graphics, images and other material, are for informational purposes only and are not intended to replace the services of a trained health care professional or to be a substitute for medical advice provided by a qualified physician or other appropriate health care professional. You should consult your own physician or other appropriate health care provider on specific medical questions, including matters requiring diagnosis, treatment or medical assistance.