At Home Care for Diabetes

Medical check-ups by family physicians and podiatrists are essential for people living with diabetes, but at home care is just as important to the long term care of the disease. Follow these tips for healthy living with the disease.

Daily Food Examinations. Inspect feet daily to look for any changes in the size, color, or feeling. If changes occur, make an appointment with a medical professional for early detection and treatment. Wash feet daily and moisturize the skin. Proper hygiene is essential to maintaining a healthy foot.

Remove Clutter in the house. Opening up pathways in the house help to reduce the chance of tripping or bumping one’s feet. Remove any obstacles that may be in the way. Keep the inside and outside of the house illuminated.

Trimming Toenails at Home. Cut toenails straight across using toenail clippers. Do not round the toenail. One of the unfortunate side effects of diabetes is poor eyesight. If one cannot trim their own nails, make an appointment with a podiatrist or have a family member clip the toenails.

Socks and Shoes. I can’t stress enough the importance of proper footwear. Diabetes patients should wear sturdy, comfortable shoes. High heels should be avoided. Sometime it is necessary to have orthotics, depending on the foot structure. Socks should be made of breathable cotton.

Exercise. First, consult with your doctor prior to starting any exercise program. Exercise has many benefits to controlling diabetes; it improves circulation, stabilized blood sugar levels, and improves bone and joint health.

Smoking. Cut down and try to quit smoking any form of tobacco because it accelerates damage to the blood vessels causing poor circulation. Poor circulation is a major risk factor for foot infections and amputations.