Foot and eye problems are common in people with diabetes and can lead to serious complications. Read on to learn more about how diabetes can affect your eyes and feet, and tips on how to manage these body parts healthy.
Foot Care
Diabetes can cause nerve damage (also known as diabetes peripheral neuropathy) and poor blood flow or circulation to the legs and feet (also known as peripheral arterial disease). As a result, those with diabetes are less likely to feel a foot injury, such as a blister or cut. Diabetes can also make these injuries more difficult to heal. If unnoticed and untreated, even small foot injuries can quickly become infected, which can potentially lead to serious complications.
As always, prevention is the best medicine. Diligent daily foot-care and blood sugar control will help keep your feet healthy:
- Assemble a foot-care kit: Start by assembling a foot-care kit containing nail clippers, nail file, lotion, and a handheld mirror.
- Wash your feet in warm water: Wash your feet in warm (not hot) water, using a mild soap. Don’t soak your feet, as this can dry your skin.
- Dry your feet: Dry your feet carefully, especially between your toes.
- Thoroughly check your feet: Thoroughly check your feet including between your toes to make sure there are no cuts, cracks, ingrown toenails, blisters, etc. Use a handheld mirror to inspect the bottom of your feet, or ask someone else to check them for you.
- Clean any cuts or scratches: Clean cuts or scratches with mild soap and water, and cover with a dry dressing suitable for sensitive skin.
- Trim your toenails: Trim your toenails straight across and file down any sharp edges. Don’t cut your nails too short.
- Apply lotion to your heels and soles: Apply a good lotion to your heels and soles. Wipe off excess lotion that is not absorbed. Don’t put lotion between your toes, as the excessive moisture can promote infection.
- Wear clean socks and well-fitting shoes: Wear fresh clean socks and well-fitting shoes every day. Whenever possible, wear white socks – if you have a cut or sore, the blood will be easier to spot.
Eye Care
Diabetes can also increase your risk of developing eye damage (also known as diabetic retinopathy). The retina is the layer of cells inside the eye that detects light and converts it into signals that can be interpreted by the brain, allowing us to see. High sugar levels can cause the blood vessels to swell and leak into the retina, causing blurred vision or blind spots. If left untreated, new blood vessels may grow and cause further damage to your vision.
Therefore, diligent blood sugar control, regular eye exams, and early treatment, are all very important. Diabetic retinopathy develops over time and often goes unnoticed until vision loss occurs. Getting your eyes checked by an optometrist at least once a year is crucial to prevent vision loss or keep it from getting worse.
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