Foot & Toe Infections and Diabetes

For individuals with diabetes, it is even more important to exercise caution when caring for feet and toes since they are 3 times more likely to get nail fungus infection than those without diabetes. Due to circulation problems, more severe foot health problems may occur if the infection is not treated properly.

Proper care of the feet to keep them healthy included the following:

• Manage your diabetic condition
• Examine your feet, toes and nails each day
• Life an active lifestyle
• Wash and dry feet thoroughly every day to include the spaces between the toes
• Explore healthcare coverage for special shoes
• Trim your toenails regularly straight across and file the edges with a nail file
• Never walk barefoot and select properly fitted shoes that are well ventilated
• Protect your feet from extreme hot and cold temperatures
• Keep blood circulation flowing to the feet by elevating them when sitting for 5 minutes 2-3 times each day

If any change in appearance is discovered while examining your feet each day, contact your physician as soon as possible to begin proper treatment right away.