With temperatures in the single digits in many parts of the US right now, keeping your feet warm can be difficult. For most people, cold toes and feet are nothing more than just that and can easily be remedied. But for anyone with diabetes, cold toes and feet can be dangerous and lead to much more severe problems. In addition, common foot warming techniques are not appropriate for diabetics, especially those with neuropathy. Warming your feet in front of the fire or in a bowl of warm water, for example, can lead to burns if there is any neuropathy. So what is a diabetic to do? The last thing you want is frost bite or poor circulation as a result of frozen toes! The key thing is to find ways to warm your feet in which you can safely control the temperature your feet are exposed to. If you want to warm them in a bowl of warm water, always test the water with a thermometer or your elbow first. But don't soak them for too long as this can cause dryness and cracks. Never warm them in front of a fire or radiator. Instead, you can rub a light moisturizer on your feet, massaging them and increasing the circulation which will help to warm them. Wear warm thick socks, preferably wool which insulates well and wicks away any moisture. Be sure to choose socks that are loose fitting and without tight elastic around your ankles or calves and socks without seams to avoid blisters. If you are going outside, a good pair of winter boots, preferably lined, are a good choice. And always wear socks with them. If your feet get wet from ice and snow, remove your wet socks and shoes immediately, dry your feet gently but thoroughly and put on a pair of dry socks and shoes or boots.
Check your feet daily, especially after being outside and exposed to the cold, paying particular attention to any changes in color and shape, cuts, red spots, swelling and infected toenails. If you notice anything unusual, contact your doctor immediately. And invest in a good pair of warm slippers to wear around the house. They will both warm your feet and make walking more comfortable.
It's easy to pack on a few pounds during the winter months when exercise and activity is more difficult, but this can wreak havoc with your glucose levels and of course put more weight on your feet. So, plan ahead. Schedule an indoor exercise class, swimming, cycling or yoga and be sure to wear protective athletic shoes that fit well and provide good support.
Take care of yourself during the cold months so that you are healthy and in good shape, ready to embrace and enjoy the warmer weather when it arrives!

Foot Care And
DIABETES

Important Information From Your Doctor

- Keep your blood sugars in control.
- Wash your feet every day. Dry them carefully, especially between the toes.
- Check your feet twice a day for sores, calluses, red spots, cuts, swelling and blisters. If you cannot see the bottoms of your feet, use a mirror or ask someone for help.
- Do not soak your feet.
- Don't put your feet in hot water. Test the temperature (with your elbow) before putting your feet in it just as you would before bathing a baby.
- If your feet are cold, wear loose, cotton socks. Never use hot water bottles, heating pads or electric blankets. You can burn your feet without realizing it.
- Don't cut off blood flow to your feet. Do not wear garters.
- Do not use chemicals on corns, calluses or warts. Over-the-counter products are often too strong for use by people with diabetes. They can burn your feet. Also, do not cut corns or calluses yourself.
- Cut your toenails straight across and file the edges. Do not tear off hangnails. Never dig into the edges.
- Wear wide, comfortable shoegear that fit your feet. Break in new shoes slowly.
- Never wear shoes without socks or stockings.
- If you have lost feeling in your feet, ask your health care provider for advice on proper shoes.
- Check the insides of your shoes before wearing them. Make sure there are no pebbles, nails or other sharp objects in them and that the shoe itself is not rough and the lining is not torn/worn.
- Inspect your feet immediately after taking shoes off for signs of redness or blisters.
- Choose socks carefully. They should not have seams or other bumpy areas. Do not wear mended socks.
- Pull your socks on gently to prevent ripping a toenail. Choose padded athletic socks to protect your feet and make walking more comfortable.
- Never walk barefoot. You could burn or cut your feet and not notice it. Keep hard-soled shoes or slippers by your bed to use whenever you get up at night.
- Do not smoke. Smoking narrows the blood vessels and decreases the circulation to your feet.
- See your foot doctor immediately if you develop a blister, puncture wound, a new corn or callus, see bleeding in your shoe or have pain in either of your feet.