Complex Diabetic Foot Care

If you have diabetes, you are at increased risk for poor blood circulation and nerve disease in your extremities. Approximately 15 percent of people with diabetes will develop a foot ulcer at some point according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). With proper care, foot ulcers can be prevented. If these do develop, timely treatment can prevent complications or amputation.

See a podiatrist on a regular basis. Your podiatrist can determine if a you are at high risk for developing a foot ulcer and help create strategies for prevent them. These include:

• Daily foot inspection, particularly between your toes and on the soles of your feet
• Wearing appropriate shoes and socks
• Reducing risk factors, such as smoking, drinking alcohol, high cholesterol and elevated blood glucose

If not trimmed, calluses can get very thick, break down and turn into ulcers. You should never try to trim calluses or corns yourself. Doing so can lead to ulcers and infection. Do not try to remove calluses and corns with chemical agents. These products can burn your skin. Your podiatrist is trained to cut or treat calluses and corns.

Smoking can cause decreased blood flow to your feet and make wounds heal slowly. If you have diabetes and you continue to smoke, you will be at greater risk for amputation.