Take our True/False Quiz to find out how much you know about diabetes and foot care.
- EVEN THOUGH SOMEONE IN MY FAMILY HAS DIABETES, I DON’T NEED TO WORRY ABOUT IT.
FALSE — Along with age and obesity, a family history of diabetes can increase your chances of developing diabetes. - I CAN MANAGE MY DIABETES BY MYSELF.
FALSE — Diabetes is a family affair. Everyone in the family should know about the disease and should be helping those with diabetes control it. - AS LONG AS MY FEET DO NOT HURT, I DON’T NEED TO VISIT A PODIATRIST.
FALSE — Diabetes can lead to loss of sensation or numbness of the extremities. You may not feel the pain, even if there is a significant problem. Any noticeable change in the feet such as redness, swelling, sores that don’t heal, loss of hair, or scaly skin may indicate a more serious problem. - HAVING DIABETES MAKES FEET MORE SUSCEPTIBLE TO COMMON INFECTIONS, SUCH AS ATHLETE’S FOOT AND FUNGAL TOENAILS.
TRUE — People with diabetes have a decreased immune response, which can make common foot infections more prevalent.
Stay a step ahead
IN ADDITION TO REGULAR CHECKUPS WITH TODAY’S PODIATRIST, PEOPLE WITH DIABETES CAN REDUCE THEIR RISK OF COMPLICATIONS WITH THESE FOOT CARE TIPS:
- Inspect your feet daily.
- Choose thick, soft socks without seams that could rub or cause blisters.
- Exercise daily.
- Have new shoes properly measured and fitted.
- Avoid going barefoot. Always protect your feet with the proper footwear and make sure both socks and shoes are comfortable and fit well.
- See today’s podiatrist for treatment of calluses, corns or warts, rather than trying to treat these conditions yourself.
- Trim toenails straight across, and never cut the cuticles. Seek immediate treatment for ingrown toenails, as they can lead to serious infection.
- Keep your feet elevated while sitting.
- Diabetes can be hereditary, so talk to your family members about monitoring blood sugar and foot health.
SUCCESSFULLY MANAGING DIABETES IS A TEAM EFFORT, AND TODAY’S PODIATRIST IS AN INTEGRAL PLAYER ON THAT TEAM!
Call Dr. Wichman for a consultation if you or a loved one needs help managing diabetes.