Taking care of your feet is a year round process, but summer can be especially challenging for your feet. That statement becomes even more amplified if you have diabetes. Summer poses some unique challenges for your feet if you’re a diabetic, so in this blog, we’re going to put a spotlight on those seasonal challenges and give some tips for protecting your diabetic feet throughout the summer.
Protecting Your Diabetic Feet In The Summer
Here are some ways that summer can challenge your feet, and how to keep your diabetic feet safe:
1. Avoid Going Barefoot – Summer is sandal and barefoot season, but you really need to be smart about your footwear options if you’re diabetic. Diabetics don’t heal as quickly because of poor blood flow to the appendages, so a cut can linger and lead to an infection. You need to keep your feet cut and laceration free, so avoid going barefoot during the summer. Also, be sure that you wear the right footwear for the occasion so your feet are always protected.
2. Manage Your Blood Glucose Level – With summer barbecues and longer nights out, it can be easy to make bad dietary choices and throw your blood glucose levels out of whack. Failing to manage your levels can lead to peripheral nephropathy and other circulation issues. Make sure you still are conscious about your diet and exercise in the summer so you can keep your blood sugar levels in check.
3. Daily Foot Checks – This is a good habit to get into on a year-round basis, but it’s especially important in the summer because you’ll likely be wearing more minimalist shoe options. Perform daily checks of your feet to look for new cuts or sores. Monitor their healing and keep the injury site clean. Bring up any concerns you might have to your doctor or foot specialist.
4. Moisturize – Although it tends to be more humid during the summer months, it’s still easy for your skin to dry out when it’s hot out. Moisturizing your feet can help prevent cracking and sores, but be careful about putting the lotion between your toes. Doing so can help to create an ideal moist and damp habitat for a fungal infection.
5. Schedule A Checkup – If it’s been a while since you’ve been to the doctor, or you have questions or concerns about how to best manage your diabetes or related symptoms, schedule a visit with a doctor. If you have foot related questions, Dr. Silverman’s door is always open. Let us help you any way we can by setting up an appointment today.