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Sunday, 29 November 2020

Neuropathy

 


What Is Diabetic Neuropathy?

Diabetes can harm your nerves. That damage, called neuropathy, may be painful.

It can happen in several ways, and they all seem to be related to blood sugar levels being too high for too long. To prevent it, work with your doctor to manage your blood sugar.

You may hear your doctor mention the four types of diabetes-related neuropathy: peripheral, autonomic, proximal, and focal.

Peripheral Neuropathy

This type usually affects the feet and legs. Rare cases affect the arms, abdomen, and back.

Symptoms include:

  • Tingling
  • Numbness (which may become permanent)
  • Burning (especially in the evening)
  • Pain

Early symptoms usually get better when your blood sugar is under control. There are medications to help manage the discomfort.

What you should do:

  • Check your feet and legs daily.
  • Use lotion on your feet if they're dry.
  • Take care of your toenails. Ask your doctor if you should go to a podiatrist.
  • Wear shoes that fit well. Wear them all the time, so your feet don't get injured
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Saturday, 28 November 2020

Chronic disease

 What defines a chronic disease?

Chronic diseases are defined broadly as conditions that last 1 year or more and require ongoing medical attention or limit activities of daily living or both. Chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes are the leading causes of death and disability in the United States.
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My First Single digits Glucose Reading

 


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Sunday, 22 November 2020

How to.....

 


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Diabetic Socks: Do You Need Them?

 

Diabetic Socks: Do You Need Them?

Foot care is an important part of managing your diabetes. It’s important to wear socks and shoes all the time, even if you’ve never had any problems with your feet. Well-fitting, quality shoes are necessary, but you also might want to think about wearing diabetic socks.

What They Do

Diabetic socks can:

  • Improve blood flow to your feet
  • Keep your feet dry
  • Keep fungal infections off your feet
  • Provide cushion

All of these things help keep your feet healthy and injury-free.


While there’s no one standard for what makes a diabetic sock, the best ones have things like:

  • Flat or no seams to prevent rubbing and blisters
  • Stretchy cuffs that don’t constrict blood flow
  • Moisture-wicking materials to keep your feet dry
  • Softness, with extra thickness in the heel and ball of your foot
  • A light color to spot blood or other fluids that might signal injury or infection
  • A foot-conforming fit with no wrinkles or bunches

Should You Get Them?

Not everyone with diabetes needs to wear special socks. But many people with diabetes are prone to foot injury due to poor circulation and something called peripheral neuropathy, a condition that causes a loss of feeling in the feet. If you have peripheral neuropathy, you could walk around all day with a splinter in your foot and never feel a thing.

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When you have diabetes, even small cuts, calluses, blisters, or cracks can lead to a foot ulcer. Diabetes can also bring poor circulation, which can make it harder for these wounds to heal. Keeping foot ulcers and infections under control can help save your toes, feet, and legs from amputation. Experts say that up to 80% of limb loss from diabetes is preventable.

Even if you don’t have a regular need for diabetic socks, you may want to consider getting a pair or two if you’re traveling, are physically active, or if you’re on your feet a lot for work.

What to Look For

Diabetic socks come in various styles, materials, and sizes. You can find them at online specialty retailers, pharmacies and most U.S. chain stores. An online search for “diabetic socks” brings up plenty of options.

Socks made with acrylic, merino wool, and bamboo fibers work well at holding off moisture. What’s more, these fibers have natural bacteria-fighting properties. Certain brands add charcoal or silver and cooper threads to their socks to prevent fungal infections and foot odor.

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Some socks are extra thick in vulnerable spots on your heels and rest of your foot. Others use gel or silicone for padding. The extra cushioning cuts friction and helps protect your feet from injury.

You can go as low-tech or high-tech as you want, but some recent developments include:

  • “Smart” socks that connect via Bluetooth to an app on your phone and measure:
    • Foot temperature
    • Moisture
    • Pressure
  • A thin, Swiss-designed sock that:
    • Fights bacteria
    • Supports your arches
    • Protects injured areas
    • Eliminates moisture
    • Helps regulate the temperature in your feet

How Are They Different From Compression Socks?

Compression socks put pressure on your legs to help blood circulate back to the heart better.

People with diabetes may have up to four times the risk of peripheral artery disease (PAD), a condition that narrows or blocks arteries, particularly in the legs.

That’s why compression socks aren’t ideal for people with diabetes. That’s especially true for those with diabetes who have PAD -- because compression socks may further restrict blood flow in already narrow or blocked arteries.

But because diabetes can interfere with blood flow to the feet and cause swelling -- or worse, clots -- socks with mild compression have been found to be safe and helpful. Diabetic socks that fit over your knees work best to provide mild compression and improve circulation.

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Are Diabetic Socks Right for You?

Since foot care is such an important part of managing your diabetes, it may not hurt to try diabetic socks. Talk with your doctor about whether they’re right for you.

WebMD Medical ReferenceReviewed by Michael W. Smith, MD on August 20, 2019

Sources

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