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- $Unique_ID{BRK01385}
- $Pretitle{}
- $Title{Foot Care for Diabetics}
- $Subject{diabetes mellitus foot ulcers care skin feet metabolism sugar diet
- diabetics blood vessels nerves extremities blister cut gangrene toes toe
- vessel nerve extremity blisters corn corns callas calluses gangrenous foot
- ulcer diabetic}
- $Volume{C-7,G-20}
- $Log{
- Diabetes Mellitus*0009802.scf}
-
- Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc.
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-
- Foot Care for Diabetics
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-
- QUESTION: I consulted my doctor when a number of small sores developed on my
- feet. He told me that they were due to my sugar condition, as I have
- diabetes. Now I know I will have to pay more attention to my diet, but would
- appreciate any suggestions you might offer concerning my feet. What can I do
- to prevent this from getting worse?
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-
- ANSWER: If you're already had ulcers on your feet, you know why foot care is
- so important for diabetics. As you now know, diabetes slowly destroys the
- small blood vessels and nerves in the extremities, including the feet.
- Because nerve damage causes the feet to lose feeling, a diabetic may never
- notice a blister or a cut before it becomes seriously infected and ulcerated.
- These infections are hard to fight off and gangrene can set in, which means
- that toes, the whole foot, or even part of the leg must be amputated.
- The best treatment is prevention, and here prevention means careful
- inspection and cleaning of the feet every single day. If you can't see the
- bottoms of your feet easily, use a mirror to check on them and don't forget to
- look between your toes. Wash your feet daily with warm (not hot) water.
- Pretend you're bathing a baby and check the temperature of the water with your
- elbow first, since your feet won't be able to feel it if the water is too hot.
- Don't soak your feet, but wash them carefully with a soft sponge or wash
- cloth. Keep your toenails trimmed. Clip them straight across and never cut
- corns or calluses.
- Inspect the inside of your shoes daily for torn linings, pebbles, or
- nails that have poked through. Make sure your shoes fit you properly from the
- day you buy them. Always wear clean seamless socks or stockings, and avoid
- wearing mended ones. If you watch your diet carefully, take your medications
- faithfully, and follow your physician's advice, these precautions should help
- you avoid further problems with your feet.
-
- ----------------
-
- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
- the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your
- doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
- problem.
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