Diabetes Care - Preventing Amputations

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is an illness. It makes it hard for your body to use sugar for energy.

When you have diabetes, there is too much sugar in your blood.

Here are some tips to help you understand:

• Ask a doctor or nurse if you have questions.
• Use pictures and videos to learn more.
• Talk with someone you trust about diabetes.

Why can diabetes lead to losing a foot or leg?

How can I stop foot problems if I have diabetes?

If you have diabetes, it's important to look after your feet. Here are some easy tips:

• Check your feet every day. Look for cuts, redness, or swelling.
• Wash your feet daily in warm water. Dry them well, especially between the toes.
• Wear shoes that fit well to protect your feet.
• Cut your toenails straight across. Be careful not to cut too short.
• See a doctor if you notice any foot problems.

Use these helpful tools and tips:

• Mirror: Use it to see the bottom of your feet.
• Friend or family: Ask them for help checking your feet.

What foot problems should people with diabetes look out for?

If you have diabetes, it's important to watch your feet. Here are some common signs of foot problems:

• Pain or swelling: Your feet might hurt or swell up.
• Changes in color: Your feet might turn red or a different color.
• Hot or cold feet: Your feet might feel warmer or cooler than usual.
• Sores or cuts: Look for any cuts, blisters, or sores that do not heal.
• Numbness or tingling: Your feet might feel numb or tingly.
• Infections: Your feet might get infected more easily.

It is good to check your feet every day. Ask a doctor or your helper to check if you see anything unusual.

How many times should I ask a foot doctor to check my feet?

What shoes are good for people with diabetes?

Do you have diabetes? It is important to have the right shoes to keep your feet healthy and safe.

Here are some tips for choosing the right shoes:

• Make sure the shoes fit well. They should not be too tight or too loose.
• Look for shoes that are soft and comfortable.
• Closed shoes, like sneakers, can protect your feet better.
• If you need help, talk to a doctor or foot specialist. They can give you advice on the best shoes for you.

Some tools and techniques that can help:

• Use a shoehorn to help put on shoes without bending your feet.
• Check your shoes for stones or other things before putting them on.
• Make sure there are no seams inside the shoe that might rub and hurt.

Good shoes help keep your feet happy and healthy!

Can changing how you live help lower the chances of needing an amputation?

An amputation is when a doctor has to remove a part of your body, like a foot or a leg.

You might be able to lower the chances of this happening by changing some things in your life.

Here are some tips that might help:

• Eat healthy food: Try to eat lots of fruits and vegetables.
• Stay active: Play, run, or walk every day to keep your body moving.
• Visit the doctor: Go to the doctor for regular check-ups.
• Take care of your feet: Check your feet every day to make sure they are okay.

If you have trouble remembering these tips, ask an adult to help you or write them down. You can also use pictures to remind you of what to do.

Can exercises stop foot problems?

What to Do If You Find a Sore on Your Foot

If you find a sore on your foot, follow these steps:

• Tell a grown-up you trust about it.
• Clean the sore gently with water.
• Cover it with a clean bandage.
• Try not to touch or pick at it.
• Ask for help to see a doctor. The doctor can help you make it better.

It's important to take care of foot sores quickly. You can use a magnifying glass to check your foot more closely. If you have trouble, ask someone to help you.

Why is it important to keep blood sugar low to stop body parts from being cut off?

If you have too much sugar in your blood for a long time, it can hurt your body. This can make it easier to get really bad cuts or sores that don’t heal, especially on your feet. If these cuts get worse, sometimes doctors have to cut off a part of the body, like a toe or foot.

Keeping your blood sugar at a safe level helps stop these bad cuts from happening. It keeps your body parts safe.

Here are some things that can help:

• Eat healthy foods like fruits and veggies.
• Move your body with fun activities like walking or dancing.
• Check your blood sugar often if a doctor says you should.
• Talk to your doctor if you feel sick or notice changes in your body.

Do people with diabetes need to see a foot doctor?

If you have diabetes, you should see a special doctor for your feet. This doctor is called a podiatrist. They help keep your feet healthy and check for problems.

People with diabetes can get foot problems because diabetes can hurt the nerves in their feet. This is why seeing a foot doctor is very important.

Here are some ways to keep your feet healthy:

• Check your feet every day for cuts or sores.
• Wear comfortable shoes that fit well.
• Keep your feet clean and dry.
• Ask a grown-up to help if you find it hard to do these things.

How can I check my blood sugar levels easily?

Do you need to keep an eye on your blood sugar? Here’s how you can do it:

1. Use a blood sugar meter. This is a small machine that checks your sugar levels. Follow the instructions to use it.
2. Check at the same times each day. This helps you see changes over time.
3. Write down your blood sugar numbers. You can use a notebook or an app on your phone.
4. Share these numbers with your doctor. This helps them know how you are doing.

Try using a checklist or alarm to remind you when to check your blood sugar. You might find it helpful to have a family member or friend support you.

Can people with diabetes eat certain foods to keep their feet healthy?

If you have diabetes, eating the right foods can help keep your feet healthy.

Here are some tips:

• Eat lots of fruits and vegetables. They are good for you.
• Choose whole grains like brown bread or brown rice.
• Pick lean meats like chicken or fish.
• Drink plenty of water every day.
• Avoid too much sugar and sweets.

Using a plate to divide food into sections can help you eat the right amount.

Talking to a doctor or a dietitian can give you more ideas on what to eat.

Can smoking cause people with diabetes to lose a foot or leg?

If you have diabetes and you smoke, it can be bad for your health.

Smoking can make it more likely that you could lose a foot or leg.

It's important to talk to a doctor to understand why and how to stay healthy.

Tools like apps or talking with a support group can help you quit smoking.

How does checking your feet often help stop them from being cut off?