{"id":16413,"date":"2020-11-02T09:00:36","date_gmt":"2020-11-02T14:00:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=16413"},"modified":"2021-11-09T12:58:13","modified_gmt":"2021-11-09T17:58:13","slug":"diabetic-foot-care","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/diabetic-foot-care\/","title":{"rendered":"Walk this way: Foot care for people with diabetes"},"content":{"rendered":"

Managing diabetes can be a challenge. There are so many steps\u2014from <\/span>monitoring high blood sugar levels<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>counting carbs<\/span><\/a> to following an exercise routine. What the average person may not expect? A diabetes action plan also includes daily diabetes foot care to prevent serious complications from the condition.<\/span><\/p>\n

Why is foot care so important for people with diabetes?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Nearly 50% of people with diabetes have nerve damage, according to the <\/span>U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention<\/span><\/a> (CDC). Called diabetic neuropathy (or peripheral neuropathy), it can occur anywhere in the body, but it\u2019s most common in hands and feet. It can cause numbness or tingling, but also limits your ability to feel pain. While that might seem like a good thing, at first glance, pain is part of your body\u2019s communication system. It lets you know when something is wrong.<\/span><\/p>\n

People with diabetes are at an increased risk of developing foot problems such as injury or infection, <\/span>according to the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society<\/span><\/a>. When a small issue, like a cut or a blister, goes unnoticed, it can quickly become a more serious problem. The good news is proper diabetes management combined with consistent care and exams can prevent minor foot injuries from resulting in medical complications.<\/span><\/p>\n

How to examine your feet<\/span>\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n

People with diabetes should maintain regular, daily foot exams. Start each exam by inspecting your feet and proceeding to check your toes (including in between your toes) and soles of your feet, says Susan Besser, MD, a primary care provider at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore, Maryland.<\/span><\/p>\n

Francisco J. Oliva, DPM, owner of<\/span> Oliva Podiatry<\/span><\/a> in Coral Gables, Florida, encourages his patients to \u201cuse a hand mirror to carefully check the bottoms of the feet.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

What are the signs of diabetic feet problems?<\/span><\/h2>\n

During your daily foot exam, look for:<\/span><\/p>\n