【Learning Points】
- Individuals with diabetes should perform daily foot inspections and maintain clean, dry feet.
- Diabetes patients should exercise caution when trimming nails and wear properly fitting shoes.
- Diabetes patients should avoid using hot water bottles or electric heating pads.
I.Why do Diabetic patients need foot care?
Patients with diabetes are susceptible to neurovascular changes due to prolonged hyperglycaemia, which reduces the sensation of temperature and pain. When an injury is not easily detected, coupled with poor blood circulation, the wound does not heal easily, resulting in inflammation, ulceration or even necrosis, which eventually necessitates amputation. Therefore, the prevention of diabetic foot disease is of paramount importance.
II.How to protect your feet?
III.What should I look out for?
- Don’t let your feet immerse in hot water, or use hot water bag, or even get close to electric blanket and heater.
- Don't kick objects.
- Don't cross your legs.
- Don’t over trim your toenails.
- Never walk barefoot or put on slippers for outdoor activities.
- Don't cut corns and calluses by yourself.
- Don't smoke.
- See a doctor right away if you get any wound. Don’t use medicine by yourself.
- Don't wear trousers and socks that are too tight. Socks that have no seams are the best.
IV.Conclusion
To prevent diabetic foot ulcers, proper daily foot examination and care is essential, such as: observing the toes and soles of the feet for dry cracks, swelling, blisters and wounds; washing the feet with warm water and drying them with a soft towel and applying appropriate lotion or baby oil; trimming the toenails regularly and wearing soft, well-fitting shoes. If you have any trauma or other symptoms, you should seek immediate medical attention to prevent the wound from deteriorating and leading to amputation. Prevention of diabetic foot requires the concerted efforts of healthcare professionals, patients and family members.
V.References
- 張議真(2023).健康Q&A~糖尿病足部正確照護,避免病變發生.彰基院訊,40(11),28-29。https://www-airitilibrary-com.sw.lib.csmu.edu.tw/Article/Detail?DocID=P20140814001-N202311150003-00018
- Cheong, M. C. S. (2021). The Diabetic Foot Syndrome: From Knowledge to Prevention. Journal of Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences, 33(1), 1-8. https://www-airitilibrary-com.autorpa.ntunhs.edu.tw/Article/Detail?DocID=10137653-202103-202103230015-202103230015-1-8