Key points to being a health conscious diabetic

Diabetes is a growing disease in America.  1 out of 11 people have diabetes and 1out of 4 people don’t even know they have it according to the Centers for Disease Control. That means there are 29.1 million Americans dealing with Diabetes in some form, either with them or through a family or friend. Diabetes is not going away anytime soon especially with the disease growing in popularity with the youth. 1 out 3 will develop this disease within their lifetime. The best step to take is a preventive one.  If you are overweight, try stay active, eat right, become a healthier human being for you sake and your families.

            There are many health concerns that come with diabetes. It’s not just about watching what you eat but becoming conscious of how your body reacts to what you eat and what you do. Meaning there can be dire consequences if you chose to ignore your body, especially your feet. When you have Diabetes, your feet need extra care and attention. Diabetes can damage the nerve endings and blood vessels in your feet, making you less likely to notice when your feet are injured. It can also interfere with your body's ability to fight infection.

“According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), “more than 60 percent of non-traumatic lower-limb amputations occur in people with Diabetes. And in just 2006, about 65,700 non-traumatic lower-limb amputations were performed in people with Diabetes.” People with type 1 and type 2 are at equal risk for foot problems. Common issues include:

Peripheral neuropathy – Nerve damage to parts of the body away from the center (arms, legs, feet, and hands. The National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse (NDIC) says it is believed that nearly 70% of people with diabetes have peripheral neuropathy.

Warning signs:
•    Tingling, burning, or prickling sensations
•    Sharp pains or cramps

•    Numbness or insensitivity to pain or temperature
•    Extreme sensitivity to touch, even light touch
•    Loss of balance and coordination

Recommendations: Go to your physician!

Peripheral vascular disease in the feet – Poor blood flow to the legs and feet. If an infection occurs, blood and nutrients may not get to the wound as needed and dead tissue may develop *One of the leading causes of amputations*

Prevention:

•    Do not smoke or use tobacco and avoid second hand smoke
•    See your dietitian for a healthy meal plan that includes healthy fats and nutritious carbohydrates. Keep a healthy weight.
•    Treat lipid disorders as necessary
•    Control blood glucose levels and blood pressure
•    Exercise according to your physicians orders
•    Moderate alcohol restriction

Recommendations: Go to your physician! And possibly wear warming socks to improve circulation and include a walking routine (If approved by Doc)

Calluses - When there is friction and pressure on your skin, a hard layer of skin may form which is called a callus. Calluses may not sound very serious to anyone, you go to the nail salon and get a pedicure and you're out the door, or the at home version grab a foot scrubber and get to scrubbing. But with most things concerning people with diabetes, calluses can become a little more serious if it is ignored. The calluses may become thick, then breakdown and possibly get infected and develop into a foot ulcer. According to The American Podiatric Medical Association, approximately 15 percent of people with diabetes will develop an opened wound or foot ulcer on the foot. Up to one fourth of the people who develop a foot ulcer will need an amputation. It is very important to seek podiatric medical care immediately upon discovery of an ulcer.

Do you now see how much of a vital role your feet play in your overall health and survival in life! Which brings me to main point.

One of the best ways to manage diabetes is to become healthier.

The first step to becoming a healthier and happier human being is by looking like one!

(You can stop here and include the remainder of the content as another blog.)

So… I am here to give you some fabulous tips on shoe shopping, now that you know a few of the most common health issues with diabetes.

Tips on shoe shopping if diabetic are to:

§  have feet measured periodically, because feet change over time;

§  shop later in the day, because feet swell throughout the day, especially if you have heart disease and kidney problems;

§  have shoes fitted with the socks you’ll be wearing with those specific shoes.  That way you’ll know they will fit properly;

§  the distance between your longest toe and the tip of the shoe should be ½ of your thumb’s width, so you have the right amount of space to fit your feet.

When you buy a new pair of shoes, break them in before wearing them for a long period of time.  Wear them for one to two hours, then check your feet for any cuts or blisters. 

·      Wear them three to four hours the next day, and so on, until they feel comfortable. Good shoes and inserts can reduce pressure on the foot by 50 percent compared with going barefoot,” 

Other tips include the following:

§  Shoes should be made of soft leather, because they can stretch.

§  Choose a cushioned sole over a thin, leather sole, because the shock absorption is better.

§  The back of the shoe should not collapse to one side or the other, because it won’t provide good support.

§  Choose laced shoes over loafers, so they fit better and provide better support.

I have now given you all than I can; now go forth and be fabulously healthy!

SuperbCoutureFootwear is a premiere online retailer that sells quality footwear and foot care products to women. They seek to inspire and educate women about proper use of footwear and foot care. To learn more about the products offered and the informative articles provided, go to superbfootwear.com