Diabetes FAQ » Diabetes Tips » Tips on How Type 2 Diabetics should trim their Toenails and Fingernails

Tips on How Type 2 Diabetics should trim their Toenails and Fingernails

How to clip fingernails

Type 1 and type 2 diabetics have to take special care of their hands and feet, which includes nail care. Many people with type ii diabetes mellitus are susceptible to bacterial and fungal infections; therefore, it is very important that fingernails and toenails are trimmed properly. It is important to make sure you don’t cut the skin with the nail clippers, because microorganisms can enter the body through the opening in the skin.

Before clipping your fingernails you will need to have everything you need at your fingertips before you start. Be sure you have some cotton balls, nail polish remover (if you are wearing polish), nail clippers, styptic powder, hand soap, and nail file. It is imperative that you prepare the skin and nails before clipping to prevent infection. If you have on any nail polish, it is important to remove it before clipping. After removing nail polish, wash your hands really well and dry them before clipping. It is important for individuals with type 1 and type 2 diabetes to prepare their hands for clipping to prevent infections. If you should cut the skin accidentally, any bacteria harboring in the crevices between the fingernail polish and the skin could invade your body through the skin.

It is important for type 1 diabetics, type 2 diabetics and kids with juvenile diabetes to be very careful when slipping their nails. You may be better at clipping with one hand than the other; therefore, when clipping your fingernails, you may want to start with your awkward hand first. Be sure to have a firm grip on the clippers, but not so tight that they flip out of your fingers. Very carefully place the end of your fingernail between the cutting edges of the clippers and then gently squeeze the clippers so that the blades cut your nail. Follow through with the rest of your fingernails in the same way. It is better to clip a little at a time to prevent cutting your fingernails too short. Being a type ii diabetic, you are at risk of cutting your skin if you clip your nails too short. If you should clip the skin, use the styptic powder to stop the bleeding as quickly as possible. Lastly, file your nails so that they are smooth after clipping them, so that the nails are smooth.

How to clip toenails

Clipping your toenails is done much the same way as you clip your fingernails. Just like with your fingernails, you need to prep the nails, by taking off nail polish, if you are wearing any. Be sure to soak your feet prior to clipping your toenails, because the toenails will be softer to cut through. You will need to gather the same materials as you would for cutting your nails. Be sure to have the styptic powder handy, in case you accidentally snip your skin around your toenails.

It is important to trim the toenails straight across according to the shape of the toes. Don’t cut them too short, because if you cut into the quick you could get an infection. Be sure to file your toenails when you have finished clipping them. When you trim your toenails, do it after a bath or shower, because your toenails will be softer and easier to trim. Don’t try to trim into the corners, because this can cause ingrown toenails. If you notice ingrown toenails do not try to cut them out yourself. Contact your health care professional and let him/her deal with any nails that are in-grown. If you are not sure how to cut your toenails safely, you need to allow a health professional to show you how. If you are unable to trim your toenails, you need to let a professional, or someone who knows how to trim the nails of a type ii diabetic.

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