Diabetes Foot and Skin Care: In Step

Outline for the videotape "Diabetes Foot & Skin Care: In Step", from The American Association of Diabetes Educators Patient Education Video Series, produced by Milner-Fenwick, Inc., copyright 2001.

**Funded through a grant from the Friends of the University of Michigan Hospitals. **

  1. High blood sugar over years can lead to development of long term complications
    1. Neuropathy (loss of feeling) in feet and legs
    2. Poor circulation causes longer healing time for cuts or infections
    3. Minor cuts, or blisters can lead to infection
    4. Higher risk for amputation with high blood glucose and skin breakdown
    5. PREVENTION IS KEY!

      6.  
  2. Special care of skin and feet
    1. Prevent pressure points (heel, ball of foot, big toes) that may cause calluses, bunion or blisters
    2. Wear proper fitting shoes
      1. leather shoes or athletic shoes
      2. can use cushioned inserts over pressure areas
      3. toe box that extends ½ inch beyond the end of the toe
      4. heel compartment snug enough to prevent rubbing
      5. soft absorbent liner
      6. heel of 1-1 ½ inch or lower
      7. buy shoes in afternoon since feet may swell during the day then shoes will be too tight
      8. have feet measured every time you buy new shoes
    3. May be sent to podiatrist to assess "problem" feet
    4. Yearly foot exam that includes monofilament test to assess for neuropathy
    5. Break new shoes in gradually
    6. Daily foot exam: look for redness, flaking, calluses, cuts
    7. Trim toenails so that are contoured to shape of the toes, smooth rough edges
    8. If foot problems develop, don’t treat yourself – see your doctor
    9. Do not go barefoot
    10. Clean socks every day that absorb & draw away moisture, do not have inside seams or tight elastic bands
    11. Request doctor to check feet on every visit

      12.  
  3. Maintain healthy skin
    1. Observe for dry skin, rashes, boils, growth of bacteria
    2. Eat healthy
    3. Avoid trauma, e.g. scratching, sunburn
    4. Pat your skin dry
    5. Mild soap, warm not hot water
    6. Moisturizer: non-oil based, without alcohol, not between toes

      7.  
  4. Prevention of problems
    1. Good diabetes control
    2. Daily foot care and examination
    3. Seek treatment for anything out of the ordinary

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