Diabetic foot care: Do's and Don'ts

One of the less-evident issues diabetics have to deal with, is that feet are particularly susceptible to infection, ulcers, injury from shoes and other problems.

As many as one in four people with diabetes will develop a foot ulcer in their lifetime, says the American Diabetes Association. Foot ulcers can become infected, cause disability and ultimately lead to amputation.

For this reason, people with diabetes should take very good care of their feet - regular cleansing, inspection and moisturising is needed.

It’s important to have a trained health professional check your feet at least once a year, but in between visits, people with diabetes can follow these steps to ensure their feet stay healthy.

Do's
	Wash and inspect your feet daily, also between the toes. Treat any sores, blisters or cracks.
	Cut the toenails straight across and file the edges round to avoid ingrown toenails.
	Dry your feet properly – also between the toes.
	Moisturise daily to avoid cracked heels.
Don'ts
	Don’t let your feet soak – not even in a foot spa.
	Don’t walk barefoot.
	Don’t cut corns and calluses yourself.
	Don’t use hot-water bottles or heaters near your feet.

If there are any signs of injury or infection in the foot, such as pain, redness, swelling, a smelly ulcer, a wound that does not heal or any other concerns, a doctor or podiatrist should be consulted immediately. Also visit The Diabetic Foot Working Group (DFWG) of South Africa