Know How To Prevent Foot In Diabetes!

About 7% of the population of the world is suffering from some form of diabetes and the number is set to rise by a significant margin by 2030. However, what is really disturbing about this figure is that people suffering from diabetes are at a very high risk of necrosis and infection in their feet. This infection can lead to amputation of the foot. The International Diabetes Federation has observed that people suffering from diabetes are 25 times susceptible to the feet problems like infection and necrosis requiring amputation compared to those without diabetes. This definitely calls for some
introspection, especially on the part of those who are suffering from this disease.

Treatment of Diabetic Foot Ulcer-
Treatment for diabetic foot infection is quite difficult, expensive, long term, and challenging. Taking care of a diabetic foot ulcer patient is teamwork requiring the opinion of an endocrinologist, orthopedic surgeon, infectious diseases physician, and a podiatrist. You may also need a trained nurse for the regular dressing of the foot. This is why one needs to adopt the means to prevent the formation of foot ulcers. Prevention is surely the best option, especially when it comes to foot ulcers in diabetic patients.

Prevention of Diabetic Foot Ulcer-
So, what are the preventive measures that one needs to take so that he does not meet the fate of foot ulcer patients? There are many.

● Quit Smoking: If you are a smoker, you need to quit smoking forthwith. Studies have suggested that carbon monoxide from smoking and hemoglobin in the blood may give rise to carboxyhemoglobin, a compound that may bring down oxygen in the blood. Such a reduction in the amount of oxygen may lead hypoxia in different organs which may subsequently lead to foot ulcers. 

● Check Your Feet Regularly: Diabetes numbs pain sensation, especially in feet. This is why it is very important to inspect your feet regularly. Cuts, blisters, cracks or tears on feet are ominous signs for a diabetes patient.

● Keep Your Feet Clean: Dirt, dust, microorganism, etc., should not be given an opportunity to rest on your skin folds. These are the factors that may precipitate a foot ulcer. So, wash both feet with a solution of mild soap in lukewarm water regularly and gently dry them using a towel. Make sure that you clean the areas between the toes.

● Use Some Moisturizer: You may use some moisturizer after cleaning the feet so that there is less risk of formation of blisters. Also, make sure to put in some talcum powder in between the toes so that microorganisms don’t get an opportunity to harbor in those places.

Take Away-

These are some of the preventive measures to avoid diabetic foot. However, it is always advisable to consult a doctor or endocrinologist before opting for any treatment options or prevention.