A lace-up shoe with a high, rounded toe box is ideal. The upper part of the shoe should be a soft, breathable material such as leather or fabric instead of plastic or synthetic materials. Avoid sandals, clogs, thongs, or flip-flops, because they do not provide the same protection that a closed shoe does. If you [...]
As you begin to plan your exercise program, you should know how physical activity affects insulin production and blood glucose levels. If there is not enough insulin circulating in the blood¬stream, glucose cannot get into the cells to provide them with suf¬ficient energy; therefore, it accumulates in the bloodstream. The end result is that the [...]
If both feet are swollen, it usually does not have much to do with your feet. If you have too much fluid in your system, it collects at the lowest part of the body due to gravity, and your feet and ankles swell. People with high blood pressure frequently have this kind of swelling. If [...]
Matthew and his mother never had problems with school authorities. Matthew’s mother went to school as soon as he got out of the hospital after he was diagnosed (at age ten) and told everyone what she expected of them. She also told them that they were to let her know if Matthew appeared sick or [...]
The most important member of the team is YOU. You need to practice good foot hygiene, wear your prescribed shoes and inserts, and in general take charge of your own foot health. The other members of your foot care team will probably include a primary health care provider and a podiatrist (foot specialist). They may [...]
If you want to be active and independent all of your life—whether or not you have diabetes—you need to have healthy feet. Most people take their feet for granted, but people with diabetes really cannot do that. You are challenged by two complications of diabetes that can affect the nerves and blood vessels of the [...]
