We Uncover the Best Way to Prevent Diabetic Foot Complications
Diabetic Foot
Today, there are many older diabetics who have had feet amputated because of nerve damage. With current levels of knowledge and treatment, the chance of amputations being necessary can be virtually eliminated. When nerve damage occurs in conjunction with vascular problems, all sensation can be lost in the foot.
Checking for Problems
Your doctor or other specialist will normally check your feet annually for touch sensation and any obvious signs of ulcers and calluses. You should check them yourself more regularly if you are mobile enough. Check to see if they seem very dry, which could be a sign of lack of ability to sweat. Also check for ulcers.
Treatments and Preventing Problems
The best treatment is prevention and this is true of your feet. Look after them and they will give you years of trouble free use! Make sure your shoes are not too tight or too loose. Buy shoes that are well cushioned, or buy Diabetic Socks to put inside your shoes. Pressure on your feet is a major cause of ulcers, which if left untreated can become infected and require medical treatment.
Comfortable shoes are an absolute must if you are going to be exercising, you should spend a little extra on a good pair of very well cushioned training shoes or special Diabetic Shoes which have extra padding and can be properly fitted. Please check out our new Diabetic Shoes Review section.
If you think you have dry feet, you may want to consider moisturising them. The best way to do this is to clean them in warm water and apply a gentle moisturiser.
The reason the nerve endings in your foot can become damaged and you lose sensation is poor blood glucose control over an extended period. Good control will probably save you from ever having to worry about your feet. The risk of vascular disease is increased by high blood pressure, which in turn is caused by poor diet, smoking and lack of exercise.
If you have read all of the Complications sections, you should be noticing a theme of how to prevent them - glucose control, diet and exercise!
How Medicare can Help
Currently Medicare operates two schemes, A5500 and K0628. To qualify for an 80% contribution to one pair of shoes and 3 inserts per year, you must have:
- Diabetes Mellitus AND
- Partial or complete amputation OR
- Foot ulcerations OR
- Pre-ulcerative callus OR
- Loss of sensitivity and callus formation OR
- Foot deformity OR
- Poor circulation
If you meet this criteria, your diabetes doctor can fill out a form to pass to a supplier of approved shoes. Usually the supplier will bill Medicare direct.
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More Resources
[ www.diabetes.org ]
[ www.diabetes.ca ]
[ www.diabetesnet.com ]
[ www.diabetes.org.uk ]
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