Have you heard of the term “diabetic neuropathy”? I was visiting one of my friends this weekend and he has diabetes. While we were watching a movie I noticed him looking at his feet and asked him what he was doing.

He explained that because he had diabetes he has to check for signs of nerve damage and his doctor told him his legs and feet are the most vulnerable. When I got home I wanted to do some more research and I found a lot.

The type of neuropathy that my friend was checking for is called peripheral neuropathy and it is the most common form in diabetics. Symptoms can range from tingling to numbness to ulcers and infections! If the infections are severe enough, amputation may be necessary. So how can my friend and other people with diabetes help prevent peripheral neuropathy?

Check your feet every day. My friend was smart; by checking his feet he could see any blisters or infections even if he didn’t feel them. If you don’t do this already, start making it a habit before you go to bed.

Wash your feet daily with warm water. This recommendation from WebMD is a great one!  However, don’t leave your feet in too long. Pull them out before they wrinkle and make sure to dry them off well.

Wear thick socks. Nylons, pantyhose, and some thin dress socks may not offer the proper cushioning for your toes and heels.

Talk with your doctor. Report any changes in feeling to your physician. He or she needs to know in order to help prevent serious complications of nerve damage.

Keep your tootsies moisturized. Apply lotion to your feet daily. In fact, a great time to do this is right before bed when you are checking your feet for blisters or sores. By keeping your skin hydrated you can help ward off infection.

Give your feet a workout. Staying active on your feet can help improve circulation as well as prevent joints from becoming stiff. Also, giving your feet a foot massage can help keep them healthy.

For many more suggestions, check out these websites and learn some more tips to keep your feet healthy.

• http://www.thediabeticfoot.com/?page_id=5
• http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/diabetic-neuropathy/DS01045
• http://diabetes.webmd.com/peripheral-neuropathy-8/foot-care

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