Diabetes FAQ » Diabetes Tips » Tips for Type 2 Diabetics concerning Foot Health

Tips for Type 2 Diabetics concerning Foot Health

A big part of foot health depends on the shoes you wear. It is important to buy comfortable shoes that fit appropriately, when you are a type ii diabetic. Because you may have decreased sensation in your feet, you may not feel an injury to your feet caused by ill-fitting shoes. It is important to choose shoes that do not have internal stitching in areas that can rub against your feet. You should choose shoes that will fit your feet without causing pressure against any of the bony prominences, because this could cause blistering and ulceration. If you have malformed toes, as in hammertoes, you should wear shoes that are deep enough and wide enough that do not cause pressure on them. You may not feel pain, which would tell you that your shoes are not fitting you correctly. Shoes should fit correctly from the first day you put them on.

Diabetic neuropathy is a common condition among type 2 diabetics. The feet are often the first place where type ii diabetics lose feeling, which is why it is important to check the feet daily. Most people check their feet before going to bed; it is important to take a good look at your toes, your toenails, the tops and bottoms of your feet. Make note of any differences in the feel and appearance of your feet, ankles and lower legs. Since your sensation may be impaired, it is important to examine your feet with your hands and your eyes. Spread your toes apart and look between your toes, and check the underside of your toes also.

When you bathe, it is important to pay special attention to your feet. Wash them gently, and dry your feet well. If any moisture is left between your toes, this can cause a fungal infection to set up between the toes. You may not feel the itching from a fungal infection if you have diabetic neuropathy. After drying your feet, it is important to moisturize your feet, but be sure not to put the lotion in between your toes, because you need to keep those areas dry.

If you notice any sign of infection, redness, irritation, broken skin with drainage, elevated temperature, and chills, you should contact your doctor immediately, so that your doctor can evaluate the condition of your feet and treat you accordingly. It is important to contact the doctor as soon as possible, because infections can set up very quickly in the feet of type 2 diabetics. Circulation is often impaired in the feet, and the tissue of the feet can become necrotic (dead tissue). In just a short time serious tissue injury can be caused by impaired circulation to the feet and toes.

Another word about shoes: since you may not have much sensation in your feet, it is important to check your shoes to see that they fit properly. Feel where your toes come when you stand in your shoes. If you toes come close to the end of your shoes, they may be too short. If your shoes are too narrow, or have stitching on the inside, they could injure your feet. If your feet slide within your shoes, this could case shearing of the skin, which could result in bruising and tearing of the skin. You may be the only person to notice when something isn’t quite right with your feet. By caring for your feet daily, you should notice any changes that should be reported to your health care professional.

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• I have been diabetic now for about two years and I have had trouble eating certain foods like cucumbers and cauliflower for as long as I can remember, I always feel gaseous and bloated and I have cramps after every meal, and forget about beer that just bloats me up so much that I won’t touch it. I don’t know why I feel so bloated I am not a big eater and generally just pick at my food. I can also bring my food back up and that is embarrassing especially when I am out or having lunch at work. I believe I might a have a condition called gastro something or other. Can you tell me if there is a gastrointestinal disease associated with diabetes?