Understanding the Connection Between Diabetes and Foot Care
Diabetes December 11th, 2009
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It’s important to understand the connection between diabetes and foot care. When living with diabetes, you are at an increased risk of having foot problems due to the damaging nature of the disease. Diabetes negatively affects nerve cells and reduces circulation, which severely affects the lower legs and feet. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) notes that 20% of people suffering from diabetes also suffer foot problems. Serious problems can arise from not taking proper care of these issues. Without treatment and thorough preventative care, extremely debilitating symptoms and even amputation can occur. However, if prevention techniques are administered, and proper care is taken, most health problems associated with diabetes can be prevented.
There are many ways to avoid diabetic foot ulcers and issues with the toe regions and many are quite simple. Wearing natural fiber socks and keeping toenails trimmed and filed also helps keep the foot free from debris and other infection-causing materials. Washing the feet thoroughly using mild soaps and warm water, drying the area completely after washing and using lotions to prevent dryness will help prevent most all diabetic foot care related issues.
The Dr. Joseph’s Diabetic Foot Care Kit from Active Forever is a professionally accredited and highly popular product for diabetic foot care. Providing an ergonomically designed, long-reach handle and adapter tip head for multiple uses; the kit includes 2 sponges for general cleansing and medication/lotion application, a soft-bristle brush for cleaning the heel and toe areas and even comes with an adjustable mirror to help make inspection of the foot area easier. This item is truly a benefit for anyone suffering with diabetes.
The key to preventing diabetic foot ulcers and infection, the main reason for amputation, is repetitive and thorough inspection and care. Daily inspection of the general area is very necessary to maintaining proper foot health, proper foot hygiene and sensory tests to determine the extent of nerve damage are also paramount to preventing future issues. As diabetes can severely affect the nerve endings in the feet, washing the feet thoroughly and checking for cracked skin, redness or blisters becomes even more important because the neuropathy (nerve damage) makes it difficult to feel the pain usually associated with these ailments. These helpful and thoughtfully designed products and care kits like the Dr. Joseph’s Diabetic Foot Care Kits are available to help inspect the foot and care for these ailments, making it easier to maintain a healthy and fruitful lifestyle with diabetes.
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