Why should I take care of my feet when I have diabetes?

May 28

When you have diabetes, your feet need extra care to stay healthy. Here's what happens to your feet and why it's important to look after them:

Nerves Get Sleepy: Diabetes can make the nerves in your feet fall asleep. This means you might not feel it if you get a cut or sore.
Feet Change Shape: Sometimes, the muscles in your feet get weaker. Your feet might change shape, making it hard to walk normally.
Skin Gets Dry: Your feet might stop sweating, which sounds good, but it actually makes your skin dry and crackly.
Calluses Build Up: Because of the changes in how you walk and the dry skin, you might get thick skin patches called calluses.
Sores Can Pop Up: If those calluses get too thick or you hurt your foot without realizing, you can get a sore called an ulcer.
If your feet are dry, shape-shifting, or you can't feel them well, it's time to get some comfy shoes and see a doctor. Keeping your diabetes in check and your feet happy means you can keep on moving without trouble!