People with diabetes can manage their condition by monitoring their blood glucose levels, following a healthy diet, and exercising regularly. Along with these basic lifestyle changes, it’s also important to check your feet. According to health experts, you should perform daily self-exams on your feet and see a podiatrist once a year for a diabetic foot exam. If you have recently been diagnosed with diabetes, here are three reasons why you should examine your feet regularly.
Reasons Why You Should Get a Diabetic Foot Exam
- Managing Diabetic Neuropathy
Many patients with diabetes will experience neuropathy, or damage to the nerves resulting in tingling, poor blood circulation, and loss of sensation. Usually, neuropathy begins in the extremities like the hands and feet. Professional podiatrists in Glendale, AZ are specially trained to spot potential problems in the feet that can be exacerbated by neuropathy, such as skin issues, infections, and numbness.
- Preventing Injury
The loss of sensation associated with neuropathy can make it difficult for patients to feel if they have injured their feet. This means that very small cuts and calluses may eventually develop into serious infections later if the patient is unaware they have an injury. Undergoing a thorough diabetic foot exam at least once a year ensures these small problems are treated before they worsen.
- Fitting Shoes Properly
Diabetics should always wear protective socks and shoes, but shoes that fit poorly can also exacerbate foot issues. Podiatrists in Glendale, AZ will also check the structure and shape of your feet and recommend the right shoes for you.
Take Charge of Your Health
Managing diabetes doesn’t have to be complicated. By following the advice of your doctors, including your podiatrist, it’s possible to live a fulfilling life with this condition. Along with blood sugar monitoring and following a healthy diet, you should make foot care a priority in your diabetes treatment plan.