Take Care of Your Feet

My mentor would always say, "you can tell a great deal about someone's health by looking at their feet." It didn't take me long in the field of diabetes to understand what she meant by that. I have seen patients with amputated toes, foot injuries, fungal infections, bunions, ulcers, hammer toes, and corns. I have also seen people with beautiful feet-healthy, soft and peachy colored feet. The difference between the two? Chronically high blood sugars, elevated blood pressure, smoking and obesity can negatively impact your feet. If you are someone with diabetes, you are more susceptible to peripheral neuropathy and other foot related deformities. It's important to have a comprehensive foot exam annually, check your feet daily and practice good hygiene. Not all people with diabetes are destined to have foot related issues, but those you ignore their foot may. Knowing what to look for and how to protect your feet can protect your limbs. If you have diabetes foot related issues, you may be eligible for diabetes shoes. Medicare covers one pair yearly. Get educated on your foot health today so that you can save your limbs.  Take Care of Your Feet originally appeared on About.com Diabetes on Thursday, April 17th, 2014 at 21:42:35.Permalink | Comment | Email this
Source: About Diabetes - Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news