There’s no question about it—women love shoes, especially in the summer. We have strappy sandals, leather sandals, flip-flops, heels, etc. For people with diabetes, getting blister or a sore or even a cut from new shoes could lead to bigger problems. Unfortunately having diabetes makes it harder to fight off infections we can get from open wounds. This is why it’s important to take the necessary precautions to make sure we take care of our feet during the summer and avoid injuries.
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Tips for Healthy Feet
- Wear comfortable shoes: One of the worst things that you could do for your feet is wear shoes that you know are going to make your feet hurt or get swollen. Wear comfortable shoes that are comfortable, that are cushioned, and that are a good walking shoe especially in the summer when it’s a great time to get exercise outside.
- Apply sunscreen: We never think about applying sunscreen to our feet, but it’s very important that if you wear sandals or any other shoe where you are not wearing socks, that you protect it from the sun because you will get sunburned. Only apply to the top of your foot and exposed areas, do not apply between toes because that will create moisture, which invites fungal infections.
- Don’t walk barefoot: When you have diabetes it’s very important to protect your feet at all times. When you visit public places like the beach, public pool, or even the forest, it’s important to wear sandals or shoes. You don’t want to catch bacteria from these places and have to worry about an infection on your feet, which could be very painful to get rid of.
- Inspect your feet: This is something that you should do every day. Make sure that if you’re doing an outside activity you don’t bring debris into your shoes that can cause a cut or an infection. Even a small pebble can rub against your foot and cause an open sore.
- Apply bug spray: Even though it’s a myth that mosquitos are attracted to diabetics because they high glucose, it’s still important to protect your skin against mosquitos. Some mosquitos can bite you and make you bleed and sometimes diabetics have a difficult time healing that open wound, which could be a problem.
If you notice any open sores or infections on your feet, make sure you follow-up with your doctor. Remember that keeping your feet healthy will help secure that you make the most of your summer.