1518 West Michigan Avene Jackson MI 49202 (517) 780-7780
241 West Carleton Road, Hillsdale, MI 49242 (517) 439-3338
DIABETES AND FEET
The Diabetic Foot
For people with diabetes, taking care of their feet is especially important. People with Diabetes are more susceptible to certain diseases.
PERIPHERAL ARTERIAL DISEASE (PAD) : is caused by a blockage or narrowing of the arteries in the legs. This decrease the blood flow will cause less Oxygen to get to the feet and ankle.
PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY: is damage of the peripheral nerves, starting in the toes. Neuropathy will cause lose of feeling in the feet.
WOUND CARE: is affected by high glucose levels in the blood. The white blood cells are not able to mass in numbers to fight off an infection.
Testing
HbA1C : is a blood test that will check your blood glucose level over the past 3 months. People with Diabetes should have this done every 3 months.
VASCULAR TESTING: ABI or Segmental pressures are a great way to evaluate a person's circulation. This non-invasive testing, using blood pressure cuffs, will give an accurate measurement on the amount of circulation getting down to the feet. This will also tell how a person will heal.
MONO-FILAMENT WIRE: is a simple test to evaluate a person for neuropathy.
EMG or NERVE CONDUCTION STUDY: is a more accurate testing of the peripheral nerves. This testing can diagnose Neuropathy, Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome, and Radicularopathy. These conditions can all cause lose of feeling in the feet.
COMPLETE DIABETIC FOOT EXAM: should be done once a year. This examination includes looking for foot deformities, testing pulses and circulation, mono-filament wire testing of sensorium, skin inspection, and more extensive testing if needed. Shoe gear and socks are also examined.
Diabetes Warning Signs
- Skin color changes
- Swelling of the foot or ankle
- Numbness or tingling in the feet or toes
- Open sores on the feet that are slow to heal
- Ingrown or fungal toenails
- Bleeding corns and calluses
- Dry cracks in the skin/heel
- Black spots on your feet
- Drainage on your socks
Things Diabetic People Should Do
INSPECT FEET DAILY
Check you feet everyday. You may have to use a mirror to see the bottom of your feet or ask a friend. You are looking for anything abnormal.
WEAR THICK SOFT WHITE SOCKS
White socks will let you see drainage on from your feet.
EXERCISE
Keeping active is very important. Just walking will help control glucose levels, keep weight down, and improve circulation.
PROPER FOODS
If you are having problems with your Diabetic meals, consult a Dietitian through your local hospital. As a general rule, eliminate sugary drinks, high carbo hydrate foods (pasta, bread, white potatoes, candy etc.). Smaller portions of foot will help.
NO BATHROOM SURGERY
This would include trying to remove ingrown/infected toenails. Using a pocket knife on calluses and corns.
USE SHOES PROPERLY MEASURED AND FITTED
Your shoe size may change over time. Buy shoes at the end of the day when your feet are most swollen. You should be able to fix 2 fingers between the shoe and heel.
DO NOT GO BAREFOOT
Use either shoes or hard sole slippers during the day.
SEE A PODIATRIST
You should see a Podiatrist at least once a year. Diabetes is a life changing disease, You will need to stay ahead of it to avoid long term problems.