DIABETES CARE 

 
 

DIABETES FOOT CARE FACTS

  • 30.3 million Americans have diabetes (9% of the US population).

  • 84.1 million Americans have pre-diabetes, a condition that if not treated often leads to type 2 diabetes within five years.

  • Every 23 seconds someone in the U.S. is diagnosed with diabetes, and another person faces terrible, life-threatening complications.

  • 15% of people with diabetes are likely to suffer foot ulceration (3.6 million).

  • Foot ulcers contribute to 85% of diabetes-related amputations.

  • Proper foot care can reduce amputations by 45-85%.

  • 80,000+ lower extremity amputations are related to diabetes each year.

  • Diabetes is the 7th leading cause of death.

 

WHAT CAUSES FOOT ULCERS?

1. Neuropathy: nerve damage causes up to 50% of foot ulcers

  • The inability to feel damage or trauma to the foot is a major risk

  • Often, if you cannot feel a wound or callus (you do not know it is there), you may not get it treated

2. Vascular Disease: causes up to 29% of foot ulcers

  • Vascular disease leads to the inability to heal even minor traumas

  • This lack of healing allows them to ulcerate and become infected

3. Foot Wound or Trauma

  • Pressure calluses; cuts and scratches; blisters; corns; collapsed arches; thinning heel pads; bunions; etc.

  • If these wounds or traumas are not felt, they continue to worsen

 

A DIABETES CHECKLIST

✔ Check your feet daily. Look for red spots, cuts, swelling, and blisters. If you cannot see the bottoms of your feet, use a mirror or ask someone for help.

✔ Increase physical activity. Plan your physical activity program with your health team.

✔ Wash your feet daily. Dry them carefully, especially between your toes.

✔ Keep your skin soft and smooth. Rub a thin coat of skin lotion over the tops and bottoms of your feet, but not between your toes.

✔ Trim your toenails straight across and file the edges with a nail file.

✔ Wear shoes and socks at all times. Never walk barefoot. Wear comfortable shoes that fit well and protect your feet.

✔ Your socks should be made from soft, moisture control yarns that are lightly padded with seamless toe seams.

✔ Check inside your shoes. Make sure the lining is smooth and there are no objects inside.

✔ Keep the blood flowing to your feet. Prop your feet up when sitting. Wiggle your toes up and down during the day.

✔ Wear your socks at night.

✔ Don’t smoke. Smoking can restrict the blood flow to your feet.

✔ Take care of your diabetes. Work with your health care team to keep your blood glucose in your target area.

If you have further questions, please feel free to contact us.