| As more and more of the population struggles | | | | the heart. The poor blood circulation common to |
| with their weight, it's not surprising that the | | | | this disease makes it less likely that wounds in the |
| incidence of diabetes is on the rise. With better | | | | lower half of the body will heal quickly, if at all. |
| medical testing, more and more cases of diabetes | | | | Therefore, it is very important to prevent them |
| are being diagnosed. | | | | in the first place. |
| If you, or someone you love, have been | | | | Here are a few more recommendations for foot |
| diagnosed with diabetes, there are several things | | | | care for diabetics: |
| you should know about living with the disease. | | | | Keep your feet clean by washing them daily. Dry |
| Two of the most significant side effects of | | | | them thoroughly, and be sure to check for cuts, |
| diabetes are nerve damage and poor blood flow. | | | | wounds, or calluses each day. |
| Nerve damage results when the nerve cells' | | | | Drink plenty of water to keep your skin well |
| normal functioning has been disrupted by too | | | | hydrated and strong. Also, consider drinking pure, |
| much sugar in the blood. This changes the | | | | unflavored green tea. Research has shown that |
| structure and behavior of the cells, causing them | | | | green tea's powerful and unique ingredient called |
| to respond poorly. Diabetics often lose sensation | | | | catechins reduces both blood glucose and insulin |
| in their feet, making them prone to cuts and | | | | levels. They are also found to be very effective |
| puncture wounds that they cannot feel. Left | | | | starch and glucose blockers in the digestive tracts. |
| untreated, these cuts and puncture wounds can | | | | Another interesting fact about green tea is that it |
| become infected and dangerous. The loss of | | | | helps get rid of excess fat which causes diabetes. |
| sensation in any of the extremities is termed | | | | Use lotion to repair dry skin on the feet or heels. |
| diabetic neuropathy. | | | | Monitor water temperature while bathing, as |
| The second most significant side effect of | | | | diabetics may not feel hot water in time and may |
| diabetes is poor blood flow. This is termed | | | | be scalded. |
| peripheral vascular disease, and results in poor | | | | As mentioned, always wear shoes or slippers, to |
| healing of cuts and wounds. | | | | protect feet from injury. Get in the habit of |
| With these two significant side effects, it is very | | | | running your hand on the inside of your footwear, |
| important that diabetics have their feet checked | | | | before wearing, to make sure there are no nails |
| twice a day for any cuts, wounds, or sores. Feet | | | | or sharp items protruding into the foot bed. |
| should be cleaned daily and dried fully. Diabetics | | | | Finally, be sure to be properly fitted for your |
| should wear shoes or house slippers most of the | | | | shoes. Shoes that are too tight can cause ongoing |
| day, even when at home, as this will decrease | | | | foot problems. |
| the likelihood of them stepping on a sharp object | | | | Although living with diabetes is not easy, diabetes |
| and being injured. | | | | can be managed. One place to start is by using |
| Proper foot care is very important for diabetics, | | | | these tips to keep your feet in good shape and |
| as wounds to the feet will take much longer to | | | | healthy. |
| heal, since the feet are the farthest away from | | | | |