Of the many health risks associated with diabetes, foot damage is one of them. Diabetic neuropathy, a condition that affects the nerves in people who have diabetes, has the ability to diminish circulation and delay the healing of cuts and sores, particularly on the feet. To avoid foot damage and possible amputation, it's important to practice sound diabetic foot care and know which products you can use to help your feet against the effects of diabetes.

How Does Diabetes Affect My Feet?

Having diabetes often changes the way your body fights infections. In most cases, infections can hit your blood vessels harder and cause injuries to heal slower. This is why even the smallest of sores and cuts can take weeks to heal, since blood vessels have a difficult time obtaining oxygen when you have diabetes. This also increases the risk of developing ulcers or deepening into the skin and body.

Feet are one of the most affected areas when it comes to diabetes. While most diabetics can walk, run, and be on their feet without any problems most of the time, extra care does need to be observed. If not, you can receive cuts and bruises from a number of sources and not even realize it, due to the minimized circulation and sensing that may occur. This could lead to infections and ulcers that go unnoticed and possibly put your entire health at risk for other serious conditions and diseases, even amputation of the foot.

Practicing Diabetic Foot Care

The key to avoiding diabetic feet is to keep your diabetes in check. Serious conditions arising from diabetic feet only occur when blood sugar levels are not monitored, or when lifestyle habits such as smoking affect them. Maintaining blood sugar within the normal range, taking medication, and practicing healthy lifestyle choices are the best ways to manage not only your diabetes, but diabetic foot care as well.

Other ways you can take care of diabetic feet are:

• Check your feet daily, especially around the heels and toes
• Avoid strenuous activity that involves heavy impact to the feet. This may include some types of sports.
• Wash and dry the feet gently and moisture afterwards. Dry and unclean feet are likely to be more receptive to smaller injuries and take longer to heal.
• Wear breathable socks. Avoid synthetic materials like polyester and opt for cotton instead and socks with elastic rings that may add pressure to the nerves.
• Wear comfortable shoes. This means closed toes, padded arches, and durable materials. Avoid sandals, high heels, and flimsy or cheap outer material; these put your feet at a much greater risk for smaller injuries.

There are also diabetic foot products that are specifically designed to help people with diabetes avoid injury to their feet. Diabetic foot balms, creams, and insoles help soothe the muscles, joints, and nerves in the feet for better comfort throughout the day. These can be purchased online or sometimes at pharmacies where options for diabetic-friendly shoes and socks may also be offered.

Taking care of your feet seems like yet another task for managing diabetes, but it could also be the simplest way to make sure you are on track with your blood sugar levels. To find out whether you are at risk for diabetic feet, meet with your physician who can analyze your current health and the health of your feet for any risk factors.