Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder that can have a devastating effect on different parts of the body. One of the most worrying symptoms of diabetes is the unseen damage that can occur to your toes and fingers, which can lead to amputations.

In fact, diabetes is the leading cause of non-traumatic amputations around the world.

The good news is that there are many things you can do to prevent toe or finger-scandal due to diabetes. In this article, we will discuss some of the preventative measures you can take to keep your extremities healthy.

Diabetes and Your Toes and Fingers

Diabetes causes damage to your nerves and blood vessels, a condition called neuropathy and vasculopathy respectively. Neuropathy causes a loss of feeling in your extremities, making it difficult to detect injuries such as cuts, scrapes, and blisters.

Meanwhile, vasculopathy reduces blood flow to your toes and fingers, increasing the risk of damage from infections and injuries that don’t heal.

When you have neuropathy and vasculopathy, even minor injuries such as a small cut or blister can lead to serious foot problems. Over time, infections can develop, and if left untreated, can lead to amputations.

Prevention Tips

Preventing toe or finger-scandal due to diabetes can be achieved by following these simple prevention tips:.

1. Check Your Feet Daily

Inspect your toes, feet, and fingers daily for any signs of injury, such as cuts, scrapes, and blisters. Use a mirror to check hard-to-see areas. If you can’t see well, ask someone else to help you.

If you notice any changes or injuries, talk to your healthcare provider right away.

2. Clean and Moisturize Your Feet

Keep your toes, feet, and fingers clean and moisturized to prevent skin from cracking and breaking. Use a mild soap and lukewarm water, and avoid soaking your feet for long as this may lead to dryness and cracks.

Use lotion on dry areas, but avoid using it between toes, as it can lead to fungal infections.

3. Wear Proper Footwear

Choose shoes that fit well and provide ample support, cushioning, and room for your toes to move around. Avoid high heels, flip-flops, and sandals. Wear socks that fit well and don’t bunch up or wrinkle, as this can cause blisters or irritation.

4. Trim Your Nails Properly

Trim your nails correctly to avoid ingrown nails, which can lead to infections. Cut your toenails straight across and file the edges gently to avoid sharp corners.

If you can’t do this yourself, ask your healthcare provider or foot specialist to do it for you.

5. Keep Blood Sugar Levels in Check

One of the best ways to prevent toe or finger-scandal due to diabetes is to keep your blood sugar levels in check. High blood sugar levels can worsen nerve and blood vessel damage, increasing the risk of infections and injuries.

Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions for managing your blood sugar levels.

6. Exercise Regularly

Regular exercise can help improve circulation and reduce the risk of neuropathy and vasculopathy. Choose low-impact activities such as walking, swimming, or cycling, and aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise per day.

7. Quit Smoking

Smoking can worsen neuropathy and vasculopathy, increasing the risk of infections and amputations. Quitting smoking can help reduce these risks. If you need help quitting, talk to your healthcare provider or join a smoking cessation program.

Conclusion

To prevent toe or finger-scandal due to diabetes, it’s essential to take good care of your extremities.

This means checking your feet daily, keeping them clean and moisturized, wearing proper footwear, trimming your nails correctly, keeping your blood sugar levels in check, exercising regularly, and quitting smoking. Following these preventative measures can help reduce the risk of infections, injuries, and amputations.