The lack of control of blood glucose levels affects the health of the feet in patients with diabetes and increases the risk of injuries and amputations
To avoid serious complications after being diagnosed with sustained hyperglycemia, it is essential to adopt a series of measures to take care of the diabetic foot at home .
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The complications that are suffered by high glucose levels can reduce blood flow in the lower extremities , deteriorating the arteries and nerves of the feet. The problem can develop gradually, especially when the necessary controls are not carried out to regulate the sugar to a normal state.
Product of this decreases sensitivity in the area and increase the chances of developing ulcers, cracks and other wounds that can be a focus of dangerous infections.
How to take care of the diabetic foot to avoid complications? Keeping in mind that the risks are constant, we must take into account the recommendations that we share below.
What is the diabetic foot?
Feet ache.
Having sugar levels above normal leads to many health complications . Among these, one of the most common and dangerous is the diabetic foot.
The condition can be caused by a reduction in the blood supply to the legs (vasculopathy) or by an involvement of the lower nerves (neuropathy).
Both problems derive a series of symptoms that affect the quality of life , as the patient loses his sensibility greatly and is exposed to injuries that take time to heal.
Although the symptoms may vary depending on the level of severity with which it develops, it is essential to attend to it and monitor it at all times so that it does not get worse .
Poor control of this can cause ulcers and infections that, when they can not be controlled, end up being the reason for amputation of the limb .
Tips to take care of the diabetic foot at home
According to data from the World Health Organization, more than 80% of cases of amputation due to diabetic foot can be prevented with basic treatment and care.
The medical control of diabetes is the main measure to avoid these complications ; however, complementary to this, each one must adopt some habits that reduce the risk.
It is essential to avoid to the maximum any injury that compromises the feet, since the wounds take a long time to heal and can serve as a gateway for an infection . In addition, these cares must be permanent because, although there are no injuries or obvious symptoms, the risk is still high.
Check the feet every day
The daily revision of the feet allows to detect if there is any abnormality that should be treated in a special way. For this reason, even if there is not a notorious problem, it is important to dedicate time to them .
Try to pay attention to symptoms such as:
- Sores or ulcers
- Blisters or cracks
- Hardnesses and deformities
- Hematomas and inflamed veins
Wash and disinfect
One of the basic care to reduce the risk of infection in the feet is to wash them every day with products that help disinfect them.
- This measure eliminates bacteria, fungi and other microorganisms that, in case of injury, can cause more serious problems.
- Avoid the cigarette
- Give up smoking.
The consumption of tobacco is one of the factors that can accelerate the narrowing of the arteries . Because of this, all patients with diabetes should avoid it.
Cigarette toxins do not favor the oxygenation of the feet and can influence complications due to lack of blood supply.
Use moisturizing products
To take care of the diabetic foot it is necessary to acquire moisturizing products that help protect your skin . Its daily application allows to avoid calluses and cracks to minimize the risk of infection.
Cut the nails
The nails in patients with diabetic foot should be cut in a straight line so that they do not become embedded in the skin. The cut should not compromise the corners or the cuticles.
Wear comfortable shoes
The use of comfortable and ventilated footwear is one of the most recommended measures to take care of the diabetic foot. This allows to control inflammation and prevent infections.
The ideal is that its interior is composed of smooth materials , without strong elements, so that the skin can breathe without problem.
Avoid high-impact activities
The daily practice of physical exercise is one of the habits that help regulate glucose levels in patients with diabetes.
However, due to the complications that can present the feet, it is essential to check that the chosen activities do not have a strong impact on them .
To avoid corns or injuries it is best to opt for disciplines such as:
- Swimming
- Cycling
- Yoga
- Pilates
In conclusion, it is of great importance that all patients with high sugar take measures to take care of the diabetic foot . This, in addition to medical check-ups, avoids more serious situations.