Diabetics are susceptible to nerve and blood vessel damage due to the nature of the disease as it is, and since the feet are the farthest extremity from the heart, any damage that occurs anywhere in the body tends to cumulate in the feet.
BROOKLYN, NY (PRWEB) August 06, 2013
With summer in full-swing, warm-weather inhabitants are frequently wearing sandals or even going barefoot to keep cool. Everyone loves the beach and having their toes in the sand, but Marc Kaplan, manager of Save Rite Medical, thinks that now is a good time to remind diabetics that they may not want to partake in the strappy shoe fervor. In fact, he's here to offer insight on how diabetics should be caring for their feet during the heat waves we've been seeing so much of lately.
It's been found that about 24 million Americans are diabetic, and some 15% of diabetes patients will develop foot ulcers as a result of the disease. Up to 24% of those with ulcers will require an amputation due to their lower extremities becoming infected or other complications. Due to the pressure that's often created by summer shoes, as well as the foot swelling that comes with the heat, take some tips from Kaplan for diabetic foot and wound care in the summer.
"Diabetics are susceptible to nerve and blood vessel damage due to the nature of the disease as it is," says Kaplan, "and since the feet are the farthest extremity from the heart, any damage that occurs anywhere in the body tends to cumulate in the feet." Diabetics may notice loss of feeling in their feet, gangrene – or the death of tissues due to a lack of blood circulation, disruption of sweat glands in the feet leading to dryness and crackling, muscle atrophy, pressure sores, and many other symptoms.
"It's important to pay special attention to your feet, especially in the summer," Kaplan says. He advises that you avoid walking barefoot and continue wearing comfortable shoes, even if that means avoiding sandals. "Strappy, open shoes concentrate pressure on certain parts of the foot, which encourages the development of pressure sores," he adds. It's also important to remember sunscreen on the feet to minimize the potential for swelling and infection.
Any corns, calluses, or sores should be treated immediately with certified diabetes supplies. If you've never treated a diabetic wound before, or it's worse than usual, it's in your best interest to visit a physician. Don't forget to regularly examine your feet and take note of sores that heal slowly. Moisturize your feet regularly, especially in the summer – when sweat glands are affected, it's easy for feet to dry out and crack. Wear therapeutic shoes or inserts as frequently as possible, and, of course, maintain your blood glucose levels with a good diet and regular insulin injections in order to deter foot issues altogether.
Save Rite Medical is a medical supply company based out of Brooklyn, New York. They aim to provide customers with the advantage of a superior selection of medical supplies at competitive prices.