Our Maine Street's Aroostook Issue 16 : Spring 2013 | Page 41

pebble in the shoe, or a rub
spot from a shoe seam can
lead to hospitalization or even
amputation. The American
Diabetes Association reports
that 15% of people with
diabetes will develop foot
ulcers that lead to more
severe complications, one in
five ulcers leading to some
level of amputation. 80,000
amputations are caused by
diabetic ulcers each year,
accounting for 60% of all
non-traumatic amputations.
With such serious consequences, it is
of paramount importance that people
with diabetes pay close attention to
the health of their feet and condition
of their footwear.
If you are currently managing diabetes:
Wear properly fit shoes at all times
and check them often for rough spots,
rocks, or other objects that could
cause excess pressure on the foot.
Thoroughly check the tops, bottoms,
sides, heels, and between the toes of
your feet (or have someone else check)
once or twice a day for any cracks,
blisters, sores, redness, swelling or
changes in color or temperature.
Wear clean, dry socks or hose without
seams.
Have your feet checked regularly by
your physician. Let the podiatrist treat
callouses, corns, blisters, infections,
nail fungal, etc. Immediately notify
your doctor of any new sores.
Establish a daily care routine: Wash your feet with
mild soap and warm water, being well aware of water
temperature. Overly hot
water will cause burns. Dry
feet thoroughly, especially
between the toes. Soften dry
skin areas with lotion, but
don’t apply lotion between
the toes. Trim nails while they
are soft. Cut the nail straight
across, because curved nails
are more likely to become
ingrown.
Stop

smoking.

Smoking

causes decreased blood flow
to feet.
Use diet, exercise, and/or
medication to manage your
blood sugar. This includes
testing/recording blood sugar
levels, knowing what to eat
and when, knowing how
to recognize and treat high
or low blood sugar levels,
and properly administering
medica ѥ