According to the American Diabetes Association,
"Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life. The cause of diabetes continues to be a mystery, although both genetics and environmental factors such as obesity and lack of exercise appear to play roles."
Type 1 diabetes - the body cannot produce insulin, leading to an inability to use glucose and fuel the body.
Type 2 diabetes - the body produces insulin but has trouble using it. Type 2 diabetes is more common.
Diabetes and Bone Healing
It is unknown exactly why diabetes affects bone healing, but it is very clear that it does. There is a theory that an absence of insulin leads to impaired fracture healing. This means that a diabetic with a broken bone may take longer than normal to heal.
Diabetics need to take extra good care of their feet because diabetes can cause nerve damage that makes it hard to diagnose a foot injury. When foot injuries go undetected, they can worsen and become infected, sometimes leading to hospitalization or even amputation.
Prevention of Diabetic Foot Problems
Here are some foot care recommendations from the American Diabetes Association:
- Your health care provider should perform a complete foot exam at least annually and more often if you have foot problems.
- Remember to take off your socks and shoes while you wait for your physical examination.
- Call or visit your health care provider if you have cuts or breaks in the skin or an ingrown nail. Also, tell your health care provider if your foot changes color, shape, or just feels different (for example, becomes less sensitive or hurts).
- If you have corns or calluses, your health care provider can trim them for you. Your health care provider can also trim your toenails if you cannot do so safely.
- Since people with diabetes are more prone to foot problems, a foot care specialist should be part of any diabetic's health care team.
Caring for Your Feet
There are many things you can do to keep your feet healthy.
- Take care of your diabetes. Work with your health care team to keep your blood glucose in your target range.
- Check your feet every day. Look at your bare feet for red spots, cuts, swelling and blisters. If you cannot see the bottoms of your feet, use a mirror or ask someone for help.
- Be more active. Plan your physical activity program with your health team.
- Ask your doctor about Medicare coverage for special shoes.
- Wash your feet every day. Dry them carefully, especially between the toes.
- Keep your skin soft and smooth. Rub a thin coat of skin lotion over the tops and bottoms of your feet, but not between your toes.
- If you can see and reach your toenails, trim them when needed. Trim your toenails straight across and file the edges with an emery board or nail file.
- Wear shoes and socks at all times. Never walk barefoot. Wear comfortable shoes that fit well and protect your feet. Check inside your shoes before wearing them. Make sure the lining is smooth and there are no objects inside that may irritate the foot.
- Protect your feet from hot and cold. Wear shoes at the beach or on hot pavement. Do not put your feet into hot water. Test water before putting your feet in, just as you would before bathing a baby. Never use hot water bottles, heating pads, or electric blankets. You can burn your feet without realizing it.
- Keep blood flowing to your feet. Put your feet up when sitting. Wiggle your toes and move your ankles up and down for 5 minutes, two (2) or three (3) times a day. Do not cross your legs for long periods of time. Do not smoke.
- Get started now. Begin taking good care of your feet today. Set a time every day to check your feet.