Diabetes and Foot Care

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder in where there is an insulin imbalance in the body.

Type 1 Diabetes:
Type 1 diabetes is where your pancreas does not produce the right amount of insulin. Because of this, sugar enters the body cells in a reduced amount.
One in ten are affected with Type 1. Type 1 diabetes is also known as insulin dependent mellitus (IDDM) or juvenile onset diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes requires you to take insulin injections daily. Without implantation of an insulin pump, you will take an injection for the rest of your life.
Symptoms of Type 1 diabetes are: incessant thirst, unexplained weight loss, increased hunger, frequent urination, weakness, and general fatigue.
Type 1 diabetes usually is developed before age 30 and its symptoms come on quickly.

Type 2 Diabetes:
Type 2 diabetes is also known as adult onset diabetes or non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM).
This form of diabetes occurs most often after the age of 40 in overweight people.
Most of the time diet and exercise can treat this type of diabetes instead of insulin.
Symptoms form slowly and will include: burred vision, frequent urination, increased thirst, slow healing sores, irritability, frequent bladder/vaginal/or skin infections, and tingling of hands and feet.

Both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes can cause long term nerve damage, heart disease, blindness, kidney failure, and deterioration of blood vessels. Many times poor circulation plays a key role in the health problems diabetics' face. This poor circulation is why there are so many feet and leg amputations in diabetics, along with infections and inflammations.

Foot Care for Diabetes
Wash your feet everyday with warm water. Pat them dry, gently, and do a thorough inspection for sores or changes in color.
Let a doctor remove any warts, calluses, or corns. Removing them yourself can set you up for a possible infection.
Avoid tight socks or shoes. Do not smoke. These tend to make circulation problems worsen.
Try the new diabetic socks on the market to increase your circulation and decrease inflammation and infection.
Don't keep legs crossed for extended periods of time. This hinders proper circulation.
Don't expose your feet to cold temperatures.
Don't walk barefoot. Exposure to the elements may inflame, there may be items that could cut or puncture causing infection, or may be subjected to temperature or extremes that will worsen feet ailments for diabetics.

For more information
American Diabetes Association
www.diabetes.org
1-800-342-2383