Start with "feet" - prevention of diabetic foot

Author: Li Yali, Second Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University

Reviewer: Li Guochen, deputy chief physician, Department of Orthopedics, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University

Diabetic foot is a common complication of diabetic patients, among which foot disease is the most difficult and cannot be ignored. This article will introduce the formation, prevention strategies and daily care of diabetic foot, and explain in detail how to start from "foot" to protect health.

1. Causes and hazards of diabetic foot

Diabetic foot, as the name implies, is a foot lesion caused by long-term high blood sugar in diabetic patients. High blood sugar levels can damage the nerves and blood vessels in the feet, making the feet extremely sensitive and vulnerable to injury. Nerve damage can cause patients to have a decreased ability to sense pain, cold and heat, and other stimuli, which is called "neuropathy." Damaged blood vessels can affect blood circulation in the feet, leading to local tissue hypoxia and insufficient nutrition, forming "ischemic lesions." The combined effect of these two lesions makes the feet of diabetic patients extremely prone to ulcers and infections, which can lead to toe amputation, limb amputation, and even life-threatening conditions.

Figure 1 Copyright image, no permission to reprint

2. Preventive measures for diabetic foot

Diabetic patients can prevent the occurrence of diabetic foot by taking the following measures.

1. Control Blood Sugar Levels

The first and foremost preventive measure is to strictly control blood sugar levels. Diabetic patients should monitor their blood sugar regularly and adjust their diet, exercise and medication according to the doctor's advice to ensure that their blood sugar is stable within the normal range. Only when blood sugar is well controlled can the risk of diabetic complications be fundamentally reduced.

2. Daily foot care

(1) Keep your feet clean: Keeping your feet clean is the first step in preventing diabetic foot. Patients should choose warm water to wash their feet and avoid using overheated water to avoid burns. After washing your feet, you should gently dry them, especially between the toes, to prevent fungal infection.

(2) Apply moisturizing cream: If the skin on your feet is too dry, it will easily crack, providing opportunities for bacteria to invade. Therefore, you should apply an appropriate amount of moisturizing cream after washing your feet to keep your feet moisturized.

Figure 2 Copyright image, no permission to reprint

3. Reasonable diet management

A reasonable diet is essential for diabetic patients. Patients should follow the diet plan formulated by doctors or nutritionists, control total calorie intake, increase dietary fiber intake appropriately, and reduce the intake of high-sugar and high-fat foods. At the same time, they should pay attention to balanced nutrition to ensure the body's needs.

4. Exercise moderately

Moderate exercise can promote blood circulation and lower blood sugar levels, which is of great significance for preventing diabetic foot. Patients can choose appropriate exercise methods according to their own conditions, such as walking, jogging, cycling, etc. However, they should be careful to avoid strenuous exercise and standing for long periods of time to avoid increasing the burden on the feet.

5. Check your feet regularly

Regular daily foot checks are an important part of preventing diabetic foot. Patients should pay attention to whether their feet have redness, swelling, ulcers, blisters and other abnormal conditions, and seek medical treatment immediately if found. In addition, toenails should be trimmed regularly to avoid being too long or too short to prevent damage to the foot skin.

6. Choose the right shoes and socks

Choosing the right shoes and socks is crucial to reducing the stress on the feet and preventing the occurrence of diabetic foot. Patients should choose shoes with good breathability, appropriate size, and soft soles, and avoid wearing high heels, pointed shoes, and other shoes that easily squeeze the feet. Socks should be made of pure cotton to keep the feet dry and comfortable.

7. Avoid walking barefoot

Walking barefoot can easily cause external injuries to the feet and increase the risk of infection. Therefore, people with diabetes should avoid walking barefoot, especially outdoors or on uneven surfaces.

3. Family Support and Participation

Preventing diabetic foot is not just a personal matter for the patient, but also requires the joint efforts and support of the family. Family members should care about the patient's health and understand the relevant knowledge of diabetic foot. For example, they can help patients check their feet, choose suitable shoes and socks, remind patients to take medicine on time, etc. The care of family members can help patients better prevent and control the disease.

4. Regular medical check-ups

Although preventive measures in daily life are essential to prevent diabetic foot, regular medical attention for professional foot examinations is also indispensable. Doctors can detect abnormalities in the feet in a timely manner through professional examinations and develop corresponding treatment plans. Therefore, diabetic patients should follow the doctor's advice and go to the hospital for regular foot examinations to ensure foot health.

Figure 3 Copyright image, no permission to reprint

Although diabetic foot is scary, it is not unpreventable. Through strict control of blood sugar levels, daily foot care, proper diet management, moderate exercise, regular foot checks, choosing appropriate shoes and socks, avoiding barefoot walking, and regular medical checkups, diabetic foot can be effectively prevented. Let us work together, starting with "feet", to protect the health of diabetics!