Type 2 Diabetes - 9 Steps to Good Care of Your Feet!
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Labels: blisters , bloodingrown toe nails , callous formation , cuts , Physical activity , smoking , sugar levels red spots , Type 2 Diabetes Feet
Labels: blisters , bloodingrown toe nails , callous formation , cuts , Physical activity , smoking , sugar levels red spots , Type 2 Diabetes Feet
Sometimes it's hard to correlate the readings on your self-monitoring glucose meter to the future health of your body, and of course this includes your feet. Unexpected foot amputations and infected wounds and ulcers of the feet are some of the major problems in people with uncontrolled Type 2 diabetes, according to an article published by Diabetic Care in January 2004. Protection of your feet and the early recognition of any problems is the best way to prevent any major complications. The primary responsibility of taking care of your feet each day is up to you.
What are the risk factors for developing feet issues when you have diabetes, Type 1 or Type 2:
Diabetes Care, identified the following as being risks for developing feet problems:
having diabetes for more than ten years
if you are male
if you have uncontrolled blood sugar levels
if you have cardiovascular, eye and kidney complications
any bony deformities of your feet
altered sensations of your feet
decreased foot pulses
a past history of ulcers or amputation
any nail issues, such as ingrown toe nails
How does diabetes increase your risk for foot ulcers and infections? The National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse explains that there are two causes of increased risk for foot ulcers and infections in diabetes:
1. Damage to the nerves of both feet: One of the direct complications of uncontrolled blood sugar is the damage to the nerves, a condition called diabetic neuropathy. With decreased sensation to your legs and feet caused by diabetic neuropathy; cuts, infections and swelling of your feet can worsen without even noticing them.
2. Poor blood flow to both feet: Another problem that is caused by uncontrolled blood sugar is the development of peripheral vascular disease, the condition of poor blood flow to both feet making it hard for foot sores or infections to improve. Smoking can make this condition worse.
How do you protect your feet?
1. Control your blood sugar. Controlling your blood sugar is the one of the most important factors to prevent the development of any problems with your feet.
2. Each day, thoroughly inspect your feet for any red spots, callous formation, cuts, blisters and swelling. Using a mirror may also be necessary to visualize the soles of your feet.
3. Be more physically active: Being more physically active lets your blood flow more efficiently to your feet, decreasing the possible development of problems.
4. Observe proper foot care: Washing your feet daily with soap and water can help prevent infections from setting in. Dry them thoroughly after washing, especially the areas between your toes.
5. Trim your toenails regularly: Trim your toenails regularly to avoid difficult cutting as nails can become thick and ragged. Don't forget to make your nail cutter clean to free it from any infection-causing germs.
6. Wear protective shoes and socks at all times: Wear properly fitting shoes... purchase shoes with support and comfort in mind.
7. Protect your feet from extreme temperatures: Decreased sensation can put you at risk of burns and frost bite without realizing it. Test the water first before stepping into your bath.
8. Smoking: Smoking can further decrease the blood supply to your feet. Quitting smoking is important to keep both of your feet!
9. Stay active: Physical activity will help keep the blood circulating and allow your body to help protect your feet from the inside out.
Without good care, damage to you extremities can occur and may not be reversible. The good news is that an ounce of prevention now is worth a pound of cure when it comes to your feet.
To discover answers to questions you may be asking yourself about Type 2 Diabetes, click on this link... Natural Diabetes Treatments
Clicking on this link will help you to learn more about Type 2 Diabetes Solutions... Beverleigh Piepers RN... the Diabetes Detective.
Beverleigh Piepers is the author of this article. This article can be used for reprint on your website provided all the links in the article are complete and active. Copyright (c) 2010 - All Rights Reserved Worldwide
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Beverleigh_H_Piepers
What are the risk factors for developing feet issues when you have diabetes, Type 1 or Type 2:
Diabetes Care, identified the following as being risks for developing feet problems:
having diabetes for more than ten years
if you are male
if you have uncontrolled blood sugar levels
if you have cardiovascular, eye and kidney complications
any bony deformities of your feet
altered sensations of your feet
decreased foot pulses
a past history of ulcers or amputation
any nail issues, such as ingrown toe nails
How does diabetes increase your risk for foot ulcers and infections? The National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse explains that there are two causes of increased risk for foot ulcers and infections in diabetes:
1. Damage to the nerves of both feet: One of the direct complications of uncontrolled blood sugar is the damage to the nerves, a condition called diabetic neuropathy. With decreased sensation to your legs and feet caused by diabetic neuropathy; cuts, infections and swelling of your feet can worsen without even noticing them.
2. Poor blood flow to both feet: Another problem that is caused by uncontrolled blood sugar is the development of peripheral vascular disease, the condition of poor blood flow to both feet making it hard for foot sores or infections to improve. Smoking can make this condition worse.
How do you protect your feet?
1. Control your blood sugar. Controlling your blood sugar is the one of the most important factors to prevent the development of any problems with your feet.
2. Each day, thoroughly inspect your feet for any red spots, callous formation, cuts, blisters and swelling. Using a mirror may also be necessary to visualize the soles of your feet.
3. Be more physically active: Being more physically active lets your blood flow more efficiently to your feet, decreasing the possible development of problems.
4. Observe proper foot care: Washing your feet daily with soap and water can help prevent infections from setting in. Dry them thoroughly after washing, especially the areas between your toes.
5. Trim your toenails regularly: Trim your toenails regularly to avoid difficult cutting as nails can become thick and ragged. Don't forget to make your nail cutter clean to free it from any infection-causing germs.
6. Wear protective shoes and socks at all times: Wear properly fitting shoes... purchase shoes with support and comfort in mind.
7. Protect your feet from extreme temperatures: Decreased sensation can put you at risk of burns and frost bite without realizing it. Test the water first before stepping into your bath.
8. Smoking: Smoking can further decrease the blood supply to your feet. Quitting smoking is important to keep both of your feet!
9. Stay active: Physical activity will help keep the blood circulating and allow your body to help protect your feet from the inside out.
Without good care, damage to you extremities can occur and may not be reversible. The good news is that an ounce of prevention now is worth a pound of cure when it comes to your feet.
To discover answers to questions you may be asking yourself about Type 2 Diabetes, click on this link... Natural Diabetes Treatments
Clicking on this link will help you to learn more about Type 2 Diabetes Solutions... Beverleigh Piepers RN... the Diabetes Detective.
Beverleigh Piepers is the author of this article. This article can be used for reprint on your website provided all the links in the article are complete and active. Copyright (c) 2010 - All Rights Reserved Worldwide
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Beverleigh_H_Piepers