Diabetics Should Take Extra Care to Prevent Foot Complications

Filed in archive Education , Information on April 23, 2007

Diabetics are more prone to foot complications: fungal infections, calluses, ulcers, foot deformities, and gangrene (could include infection and may lead to amputation in severe cases).

In lieu of April being the Foot Health Awareness Month, LifeMasters (a leading provider of disease management programs and services) is encouraging diabetic patients to prevent foot complications by following some simple advice:

• control blood sugar


• observe proper foot hygiene


• check feet daily


• have an annual foot check with your doctor or podiatrist


• wear appropriate shoes

According to Mary Jane Osmick, M.D., medical director at LifeMasters:

"Diabetes causes a number of foot complications because of nerve damage (neuropathy) and decrease of blood flow to the foot. Neuropathy causes loss of feeling in the feet, decreasing feeling and leading to a foot injury.

Diabetes also causes damage to blood vessels in all parts of the body, including the legs and feet, and can lead to poor circulation. Many of these complications can, however, be prevented by managing blood sugar levels and caring for your feet appropriately."

We often pay less attention to our feet. But them feet should really be pampered because they practically carry us; the more that we should take extra care of them if we suffer from diabetes.

Read more details of LifeMasters' tips for healthy feet.