If you have diabetes, there are steps you can take to avoid problems that may occur.

• Never go barefoot. Sensation loss can prevent you from realizing you have stepped on a sharp rock or piece of glass. Any abrasion opens the door for infection, so keep this from happening by always wearing shoes or sandals.
• Make sure the shoes you wear fit properly to avoid any rubbing that could cause blisters. Also, change your socks every day to keep them clean and dry.
• Keep your toenails trimmed, and when you wash your feet, use warm water and mild soap. Avoid HOT water!  Towel your feet off thoroughly, especially between toes where bacteria and fungi can build.
• Keep dryness at bay by applying lotion, avoiding between the toes.
• Protect your feet against extreme temperatures, testing bath water for example, before jumping in feet first.
• While sitting, try not to cross your legs for long stretches of time as this places pressures on the circulation and nerves of the extremities.
• Online, as well as in-person education about diabetes is abundant, so don’t hesitate to get informed:  https://www.diabetes.org/tools-support/diabetes-education-program
• We highly recommend Diabetes Self-Management magazine: https://amzn.to/3IGQ1dR