Diabetes

Diabetes is a condition whereby the body either can not produce insulin or can not use the insulin it does produce effectively. Diabetes is a chronic condition and sufferers need to be aware how to manage their condition.

Once diagnosed patients need to take special care of their feet and legs. In fact foot complications are one of the most common reasons for someone with diabetes being admitted to hospital. Two complications of diabetes put the diabetic at increased risk of damaging their feet, these are:

Peripheral Neuropathy
This is a condition whereby you may lose the feelings in your feet and toes. Many diabetics are not aware that they have this condition as it usually involves losing the ability to feel pain and other sensations over a period of time. If it occurred and you were to knock and damage your skin, a wound could result.

If this wound is not dealt with quickly by a healthcare professional it can develop into an ulcer.

Peripheral Vascular Disease
This is a condition where the blood flow in the veins is reduced usually resulting in cold and painful feet. If left untreated the ability to fight infections and heal any wounds is severely reduced.

Compression products should not be worn by diabetics without taking advice form a GP or health professional.

Diabetics need to take special care of their legs and feet to help avoid complications like leg ulcers.

Tips for healthy legs

Wash feet and legs daily in warm water using a mild soap (do not soak feet for long periods), dry thoroughly between the toes.

Check feet and legs daily for cuts, bruises, blisters, cracked skin and redness or swelling. If you notice any abnormal changes you should consult a healthcare professional as soon as possible.

Use a moisturizer if the skin on feet and legs are dry. Avoid cream between the toes. Avoid poorly fitting shoes, a common cause of diabetic foot problems. If they leave rubbing marks, give you corns, blisters or pain, stop wearing them.

Athlete's foot can lead to more serious infections so must be treated immediately.

Do not self treat foot problems, see a specialist straight away.

Don't walk barefoot, even indoors.

Stop smoking, it slows healing and damages blood flow in the small blood vessels in legs and feet.

Activa Compression Hosiery, Actico and Actiban
Activa compression products should not be worn by diabetics without taking advice form a GP or health professional.

ActiFormCool^®
ActiFormCool^® can be used with caution on a diabetic wound, care must be taken to ensure the dressing is not causing rubbing in shoes etc.