How to Prevent Diabetic Foot
Introduction
Diabetes or diabetes mellitus is a health condition when a person’s blood sugar level rises above the normal range. A hormone called insulin is responsible for transferring sugar from the blood to the cells to be transformed into energy. When a person has diabetes, their body cannot produce enough insulin, causing the glucose in the blood to accumulate. This results in excessive sugar in the body. Uncontrolled sugar can lead to various health issues such as diabetic foot, heart problems, nerve damage, and even kidney damage. Therefore, it is essential to maintain a normal blood sugar level.
How to Maintain a Normal Blood Sugar Level?
The normal blood sugar level is 100 mg/dl. Anything between 100 to 125 mg/dl is considered prediabetes. A blood sugar level above 125 mg/dl is considered diabetes. You need to maintain a normal blood sugar level to keep your organs healthy. You can manage your sugar levels by following certain healthy lifestyle habits:
- Be more active. A sedentary lifestyle is a key cause of diabetes. You can maintain a normal blood sugar level by exercising regularly. It would help if you also talked to your doctor about the exercise regime that you can follow. It is said that if ketones are present in a person’s urine, they should not exercise extensively as it can cause a further spike in the blood sugar level.
- Consuming the medicines prescribed by your doctor religiously can also help you maintain a normal blood sugar level. If your blood sugar becomes very high, your doctor might prescribe more effective insulin for managing diabetes.
- Diet is critical in maintaining a normal blood sugar level. Your diet should be nutritious and well-balanced. One can ask their doctor or a nutritionist to prepare a perfect diet plan for them to follow. A diabetes diet should include whole grains, lean meat, non-starchy vegetables, less sugary fruits, and low carbohydrate foods. A diabetes diet should consist of high-fibre food, which prevents excessive sugar absorption by the body.
- Maintaining a healthy weight is a prerequisite for preventing and controlling diabetes.
- You should keep yourselves hydrated and drink lots of water instead of juices.
- Controlling food portions is very important for maintaining a normal blood sugar level. You should eat in small amounts but never skip meals.
- Do cut your nails straight across, and avoid cutting into the corners of the nails.
What Is a Diabetic Foot?
Foot problems are very common in people with high blood sugar levels. Uncontrolled diabetes leads to several health problems, and one among them is diabetic foot. Excessive sugar accumulation in the bloodstream damages the blood vessels and nerves of the foot, causing diabetic neuropathy or diabetic foot. People with diabetic feet can feel symptoms like tingling, pain, numbness, and loss of feeling in their feet.
Nerve damage in the foot leads to ulcers or open sores in the foot. The ulcers might also get infected and not heal because damaged blood vessels obstruct blood flow to the feet. Diabetic foot, if left untreated, might lead to gangrene which means that the skin, tissues, and muscles of that area begin to die. If gangrene or foot ulcer does not respond to treatment, it might require amputation. Therefore, you must do everything to help maintain a normal blood sugar level.
How to Prevent Diabetic Foot Problems?
You can prevent a foot ulcer from becoming serious in several ways. Diabetic foot can be prevented if you follow certain foot care tips:
- Check the feet every day: You should check your feet every day for cuts, blisters, or other changes.
- Clean the feet every day: You should clean your feet with soap and water and soak up any extra moisture that might accumulate between your fingers.
- Trimming toenails regularly: Trim the hard toenails regularly. If it is difficult, you can visit a foot doctor or podiatrist.
- Take good care to remove calluses and corns in the feet: You should consult a doctor to remove corns and calluses properly to avoid diabetic foot or diabetic sores.
- Wearing well-fitted socks, slippers, and shoes: Diabetic patients should wear well-fitted socks, slippers, and shoes to prevent any cuts or sores.
- Ensuring blood flow to the feet: There must be proper blood flow to your feet to prevent diabetic foot problems. You can put up your feet when sitting or resting or practice exercises like circling your feet whenever possible. Walking is a good activity to ensure blood flow to our feet.
- Regular feet check-ups: Diabetic people should get their feet checked regularly by a health care provider even if they don’t notice a problem.
Conclusion
Diabetic foot problems are painful and might lead to severe complications if ignored. Controlling your blood sugar levels, exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet, and maintaining a healthy weight can help prevent serious health hazards.
