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Diabetic Foot Care
After I was diagnosed with diabetes, the doctor gave me various warnings, which everyone should know - to lead a healthy life with diabetes.
Diabetes causes various complications in the feet,
which is called diabetic foot. Diabetes damages the nerves in the feet, causing
loss of sensation in the feet, and even minor injuries can easily lead to
ulcers and infections. Blood circulation in the feet is reduced, so ulcers or
wounds in the feet do not heal quickly.
Due to high blood sugar levels, the immune system is
weakened, so bacterial infections do not heal easily. For this reason, minor
cuts and scrapes can turn into ulcers and gangrene, and if the feet become
infected, they may have to be amputated.
Doctors say that diabetics are 25 times more likely to
lose their toes or feet than those who do not have diabetes. Therefore, those
who have diabetes must take care of their feet. There are specific instructions
and advice in diabetic foot care.
Experts
say
-
1. Always keep your blood sugar under control. Less
than 6 mmol on an empty stomach, less than 7 mmol two hours after a meal, and
keeping your average HbA1c less than 7 percent is considered well-controlled
diabetes.
2. Smoking cigarettes, tobacco, chewing gum, or
chewing tobacco is completely prohibited. This damages the blood vessels in the
feet even more. Avoid animal and processed foods.
3. If you have sensory problems or nerve complications
in your feet, you should not walk excessively. Walk or exercise for a specific
time as advised by your doctor. Exercise that does not put pressure on your
feet is good for them.
4. Never walk barefoot, even at home. If you walk
barefoot, you may get hurt by nails, pins or any sharp objects, or if you step
into a pond, you may get cut by snails or unseen sharp objects. To avoid
thousands of types of germs, you must not walk in muddy water.
5. Wear soft cloth or leather shoes that are
comfortable and fit your feet.
6. Wash your feet with lukewarm water. Rub them
lightly with a cloth. Then, wipe the gaps between your feet and toes with a
dry, clean towel or towel. Many people have water accumulating between their
toes, but sores can also form.
7. Massage your feet with body lotion/olive
oil/coconut oil every night.
8. If you cut your feet or see white spots between
your toes, any color changes on your feet, or sores, go to the doctor.
9. If the corners of your nails are splitting or
changing color, go to doctor. If you can, look at the bottom of your feet every
day with a mirror.
10. Go to the doctor for a checkup every three months
and have your feet examined at that time.
