Diabetes is a result of insulin resistance. When the body doesn’t use insulin properly, it gradually works even harder to make more insulin and eventually the pancreas can’t keep up. Type 2 diabetes is mainly lifestyle-related and develops over time; exercise, diet and healthy weight maintenance helps delay its progression. It is important to follow a careful diet and exercise plan as outlined by your doctor. Diabetic foot or leg amputation is a primary complication of diabetes. Many diabetics worry about losing a toe, foot, or leg, or know someone who has. The good news is that you can lower your chances of having diabetes related foot problems by taking care of your feet every day.
Managing your blood glucose levels, also called blood sugar, can also help keep your feet healthy. Foot and leg infections have serious complications and can lead to gangrene, where tissue begins to die due to a lack of blood flow or a serious bacterial infection.
Without preventative measures or early intervention, it can lead to amputation. Proper foot and nail care provided by a professional is extremely important as corns, blisters and calluses on the feet can lead to infections. Wearing properly fitting shoes, such as specially-designed diabetic shoes, walking shoes, or orthopaedic shoes, will help your feet. These specially-designed shoes come in many sizes, colors and styles.
It is important to take care of yourself with a proper diet, exercise and maintaining a healthy weight. Keep a healthy routine to manage your diabetes by going for walks, getting on an exercise bike, going to an exercise class or just get up and dance to your favorite music. It is best to keep moving and avoid sitting for extended periods of time; when you’re up and moving you’ll feel a lot better!
