Diabetic foot care
Do’s
- Keep your blood sugar levels as close to your target as possible: by taking your medications as directed, seeing your doctor regularly, making a healthy diet, and lifestyle changes.
- Examine all parts of your feet daily for broken skin, sores, blisters, areas of increased warmth or redness. Inform your health care provider if there are any changes.
- Wash your feet daily with lukewarm water and mild soap. Dry your feet by gently patting them with a clean, absorbent towel, paying special attention to spaces between toes.
- Wear cotton socks that fit loosely. Make sure to change your socks every day.
- Wear shoes with a wide-toe box. Your shoe shape should match your foot shape. Select shoes that are snug but not tight.
- Get regular foot exams. Ask your doctor for a foot check at least once a year and more frequently.
- Do use care while trimming the nails. Trim the toe nails straight across.
Dont’s
- Don’t smoke
- Don’t walk barefoot
- Don’t use a heating pad, hot water bottle on your feet. Don’t step into a hot bath before testing the temperature first.
- Don’t break the skin on your own and do not pop blisters.
- Don’t cut your cuticles or allow anyone else (eg, a manicurist) to do so.
