Diabetes & Your Feet

Diabetes affects the circulation and immune systems, which in turn impairs the body’s ability to heal itself. Over time, diabetes can damage sensory nerves (this is known as “neuropathy”), especially in the hands and feet. As a result people with diabetes are less likely to feel a foot injury, such as blister or cut. Unnoticed or untreated, even small foot injuries can quickly become infected, potentially leading to serious complications.

Daily Foot Care

1.      Wash your feet in warm (not hot) water, using mild soap. Don’t soak your feet, as this can dry your skin.

2.      While your feet are still wet, use a pumice stone to keep calluses under control.

3.      Dry your feet carefully, especially between your toes.

4.      Thoroughly check your feet and between your toes to make sure there are no cuts, cracks, ingrown toe nails, blisters etc. Use a hand mirror, to see the bottom of your feet, or ask someone else to check them for you.

5.      Clean cuts or scratches with mild soap and water, and cover with a dry dressing suitable for sensitive skin.

6.      Trim your toenails straight across and file any sharp edges. Don’t cut the nails too short.

7.      Apply an un-perfumed foot-care cream lotion  to your heels and soles. Wipe of excess lotion that is not absorbed. Don’t put the lotion between your toes, as the excessive moisture can promote infection.

8.      Wear fresh clean socks and well fitting Footwear every day. Whenever possible wear white socks – if you have any cut or sore, the drainage will be easy to see.

When to see your Doctor

If you have any swelling, warmth, redness or pain in your legs or your feet, see your doctor right-away.

If you have any corns (thick or hard skin on toes), calluses (thick skin on bottom of feet), ingrown toenails, warts or silvers, have them treated by your doctor, or a foot care specialist. Do not try to treat them yourself.

Have your bare foot checked by your doctor at least once a year. In addition ask your doctor to screen you for neuropathy and loss of circulation at least once a year.

Best Advice

Do’s

ü Do wear well fitting shoes. They should be supportive, have low heels and should not rub or pinch.

ü Do wear socks at night , if your feet get cold

ü Do elevate your feet when you are sitting

ü Do wiggle your toes and move your ankles around for a few minutes several times a day to improve blood circulation in your feet and legs.

ü Do inspect your feet daily and in particular feel for skin temperature differences between your feet.

Don’ts

Ø Don’t wear high heels, pointed-toe shoes, or worn out shoes

Ø Don’t wear anything tight around your legs, such as tight socks or knee-highs

Ø Don’t ever go barefoot, even indoors.

Ø Don’t put hot water bottles or heating pads on your feet.

Ø Don’t cross your legs for long periods of time

Ø Don’t smoke. Smoking decreases circulation and healing.

Ø Don’t have pedicure by non-healthcare professionals.

Typical Indian Diet Chart for a Diabetic Person

Based on the general diet queries from our customers, we decided to publish a general diet chart for a Diabetic Person that can be followed. For any specific queries kindly feel free to post your queries in: http://www.diabetesindiastore.com/pages/form, our dietician will answer to your queries. 

General Diet chart

Early Morning - Always start your day with a healthy drink it can be a warm lemon water (without honey and sugars) or just warm water.

Breakfast- 7-8am: 2 Phulka, 1 veg curry / 2 Idli or 1 plain dosa with pudina/tomato/pulse chutney (Avoid coconut and ground nut chutney) / 1 Bowl Wheat Upma or Flakes / 1 Bowl Oats Upma or Flakes / 1 Bowl DalIa / 2-3 Slices Brown Bread Sandwich (Veg Sandwich) and 1 cup Milk (Tonned milk without sugars)

Midmorning - 11am: 1 Fruit / 2 Wheat Biscuits / Ragi Biscuits / Oats biscuits with tea or with Milk.

Lunch - 1-2pm: 2 Cup Rice / 2 Phulka, 1 veg curry, 1 Cup Dal, 1 Plate veg Salad and 1cup Curd

Evening - 5pm: 1 cup veg soup / 1 cup of Sprouts / 2 Wheat Biscuits / Ragi Biscuits / Oats biscuits/ 1cup Tea (without Sugar)

Dinner - 7-8pm: 2 Phulka, 1cup veg curry, dal and a plate of VEG SALAD (Cucumber, Tomato, Onions, Carrot).

FEW THINGS TO REMEMBER
Eating Right food, Right quantity on right time.
Avoid high Carbohydrate foods like White Bread, Sweets or Sweet Dishes, over dry Fruits, Cold Drinks, Fruit Juices.
Avoid fatty foods (Biryani, fried rice, deep fried samosa bajji), ice creams, pastries.
Fruits to Eat - Apple, Sweet Lime, Oranges, Papaya, Watermelon, Guava, Pomegranate, Jamun. (Note: When Sugar levels are Normal you can go for Fruits if no, then, please avoid all fruits).
Always prefer whole fruit avoid Fruit Juices.
Try to eat High Fibre foods like Wheat Items (Chapati, Phulka, Oats, Ragi), sprouts, Fresh whole fruit, Veg Salads.
Include moderate protein and minerals like Pulses (dals), vegetables (except underground veg) every day.
Veg soups and veg salads are very healthy and also it help in reducing your weight.

Walking at least for an hour every day is a must.