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Endocrine & Hormonal Imbalances
Question #14192
6 days ago
42

foot diabetes - #14192

Navya

I am really worried about my foot health lately. A few months ago, I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes but didn’t think much of it initially. I mean, I knew about the risks of foot diabetes but thought I was doing okay. Lately, though, I’ve been noticeing some tingling and numbness in my toes, and sometimes there’s this burning sensation on the bottom of my feet. I’ve read sooo much about foot diabetes and how it can lead to serious complications but I’m confused about what it really means for me. My doctor told me to keep an eye on my feet, but I don’t think I really understood what that meant until now. Is there a certain way to check for foot diabetes? Do I need to change my lifestyle even more than I already have? Like, I started to exercise and eat better but am I missing something? Are there specific signs of foot diabetes that I should really pay attention to that might help me catch issues earlier? I’m kinda freaking out and don’t wanna end up with serious problems. How do I protect my feet, seriously? Just trying to get some clear advice, please!

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Doctors’ responses

Given your diagnosis of type 2 diabetes and the symptoms you’re experiencing, it’s crucial to manage your foot health carefully to prevent complications. These tingling, numbness, and burning sensations could be signs of diabetic neuropathy, a common complication where nerve damage occurs due to prolonged high blood sugar levels. First and foremost, maintaining good blood sugar control is vital, as it reduces the risk of progression and further damage. Work closely with your healthcare provider to ensure your medication, diet, and exercise regimen effectively manage your blood glucose levels.

To protect your feet, daily foot care is essential. This includes inspecting your feet every day for any cuts, blisters, redness, or swelling. A mirror can be useful to check the soles of your feet if reaching is difficult. Proper hygiene is important; wash your feet daily with lukewarm water and dry them thoroughly, particularly between the toes to prevent fungal infections. Regular moisturizing can help prevent cracks and dryness but avoid applying lotion between the toes to minimize fungal growth risk.

When it comes to footwear, wear well-fitting shoes that offer ample support and avoid walking barefoot to minimize the risk of injury. Custom orthotics or diabetic footwear might be beneficial if recommended by a podiatrist. When it comes to lifestyle changes, keep up with a balanced diet and regular exercise but consider incorporating specific foot exercises to improve circulation, like ankle flexes and toe wiggles. If symptoms like significant color changes, persistent swelling, or non-healing wounds occur, it’s imperative to seek medical attention promptly as these can be signs of infection or more severe issues that might require urgent care.

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