1. Inspect your feet daily
-
Check your feet and toes every day for cuts, bruises, or sores
-
Moisturize your feet – apply moisturizers such as creams or lotions to the top and bottom of the feet, not in between the toes
2. Protect your feet
-
If you have neuropathy, do not go without shoes, even in the home
-
Inspect shoes for foreign objects, animal hair, pebbles, etc., prior to putting them on
-
Avoid socks with seams that may rub and cause blisters or other skin injuries, and white socks are best
3. Exercise
-
Walking can help with improving circulation, weight management, and overall mental health
-
Daily exercise helps to maintain blood sugar levels within ideal range
4. Self-care at Home
-
Avoid cutting your own toenails if you have neuropathy and cannot easily reach and see your nails. In such instances, filing the nail is best
-
If you are able to treat your own toenails, please be conservative and cut straight across, following the contours of the nail
-
Never remove corns, calluses, or warts by yourself – Over the counter products can burn the skin and cause irreversible damage to the foot
-
Do not soak your feet as it can increase the risk of infection in individuals living with diabetes
