If you have diabetes, it’s important to adjust certain lifestyle habits to keep your blood sugar balanced and not risk increasing the severity of your condition. For people with diabetes, managing blood sugar is just the beginning. You also need to exercise, correct your diet, and protect your feet. That last point of protecting your feet may seem a bit out of place, but it’s a key point regarding your health.
People with diabetes are far more likely to struggle with foot issues than the average person, whether we’re talking about corns, blisters, or bunions. Check out some of the crucial ways you can protect your feet at home if you have diabetes.
Wear Diabetic Footwear
Yes. We are advocating wearing footwear in the house. We understand that this idea might set a few people on edge, but house shoes keep your feet safe. Diabetic house shoes for women and men are excellent for protecting the feet from injury, whether that’s stubbing your toe or stepping on glass, which can lead to infection.
Inspect Your Feet
Protection can also be preventative. One of the first things you should do before going to bed at night is inspect your feet. People with diabetes often deal with numbness and tingling in their feet due to diabetic neuropathy. Because of this, it might be difficult to feel when you have a wound. Instead of guessing, take a look at your feet. Otherwise, you run the risk of a wound becoming infected. Anodyne diabetic shoe boxes all include a mirror located on the inside of each box for this exact reason!
Keep Your Feet Dry
This might not be something you think about when you consider “protection,” but making sure your feet are completely dry when you get out of the shower should be an essential part of your routine. Moisture between the toes and soles and sweaty, wet socks can increase the chance of infection. You should also use a moisturizer to prevent dry, cracked skin.
Go Easy on Your Feet
If you’re going to exercise indoors, ensure your exercises are low impact. Try walking or getting on the treadmill. Even some forms of yoga, tai chi, and qigong might help you. However, try not to do jumping jacks or other high-impact exercises because they put a lot of pressure on your feet. This is an important way to protect your feet if you have diabetes.
Quit Smoking
One of the best ways to protect your feet—believe it or not—is to quit smoking. Smoking negatively impacts circulation in your feet, so it’s smart to kick the habit.
Follow these tips to protect your feet if you have diabetes. If you’re looking for comfortable diabetic footwear, shop at Anodyne! We have a wide range of products for you to browse. You’ll be happy you did.