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NERVE DAMAGE
- This is called diabetic
neuropathy
- It is damage to the nerves in
HOW CAN DIABETES HURT MY FEET? NERVE DAMAGE This is called - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
HOW CAN DIABETES HURT MY FEET? NERVE DAMAGE This is called - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
HOW CAN DIABETES HURT MY FEET? NERVE DAMAGE This is called diabetic neuropathy It is damage to the nerves in your feet and legs POOR BLOOD CIRCULATION Blood is able to reach the feet but damaged veins cannot get the blood back out
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SLIDE 3
POOR BLOOD CIRCULATION
- Blood is able to reach the feet but
damaged veins cannot get the blood back out – blood “pools” in the feet
- Fresh oxygenated blood cannot
flow to that area
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Smoking makes blood flow problems MUCH WORSE!!
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Peripheral vascular disease starts when you become diabetic so Keeping sugar levels constant is VITAL
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GET YOUR LEGS MOVING
Walking is a great way to encourage blood circulation to your legs
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CONTROL YOUR WEIGHT
Shedding excess kg’s takes pressure
- ff your veins
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Wear comfortable closed shoes Avoid high heels Low heels work calf muscles Do not wear “slops”
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Elevate your legs. Take short breaks throughout the day to lift your legs above the level of your heart
Do not sit with your legs crossed
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WEAR DIABETIC SOCKS
- r…… cotton / wool / synthetic blend
NO knee-high stockings or socks that are too tight below your knee
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CHECK YOUR BLOOD SUGAR LEVELS
REGULARLY
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Check your feet every day for swelling or abrasions
If you cannot check under your feet use a mirror
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Wash your feet every day and dry carefully between your toes Never use “communal” foot baths
Make sure your foot hygiene is of a HIGH standard – no “toe jam”
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Cut toenails straight-ish across the top then file the edges round Cut toenails after a bath when they are soft Use a GOOD cream on your feet every day
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PLEASE check inside your shoes before putting them on
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FOOT PROBLEMS
- Corns – Thick layers of skin caused by too
much rubbing or pressure on the toes
- Calluses – Also caused by constant
rubbing or pressure
- Blisters – Form if shoes always rub the
same spot
- Ingrown toenails – The edge of a nail
grows into the skin
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- Hammertoes – Form when a foot
muscle gets weak & the tendons shorten – can run in families
- Dry cracked skin – The nerves in your
legs and feet do not get the message to keep the skin soft and moist
- Athletes foot – A fungus which is fed
by high blood sugar
- Bunions – Your big toe slants towards
your other toes – may be hereditary
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DIABETIC FOOT ULCERS
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CHECK YOUR BLOOD SUGAR LEVELS
REGULARLY
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WHEN YOU SEE YOUR DOCTOR
- Tell him immediately if you are having any foot
problems
- Take off your shoes and ask him to look at
your feet at EVERY check-up
- Ask him to check how well the nerves in your
feet sense feeling
- Ask him to check how well blood is flowing to
your legs and feet
- VISIT THE PODIATRIST AT LEAST ONCE A YEAR
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