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One of the most common and serious complications of diabetes is foot problems. If you do not manage your diabetes well, you can develop numerous foot complications such as calluses, corns, blisters and ulcers. Sometimes, these foot problems may also lead to amputations. Therefore, foot care is quintessential in diabetes.
The importance of foot care is even more in the months of monsoon. Monsoons may bring relief from the summer heat, but they also come with a crowd of bacterial, fungal and viral infections. If you have diabetes, you are more prone to getting these infections, especially in your feet, and your footcare becomes more imperative as the wounds take a longer time to heal in diabetes patients.
Why Are Diabetics More Prone To Foot Infections In Monsoons?
- Weak Immune System
High blood sugar levels can damage your immune system by reducing the number of white blood cells in your body or lowering their ability to fight diseases. A weak immune system makes your body more prone to getting a bacterial infection in monsoons and also delays the process of healing wounds, thereby increasing the risk of ulcers and amputations.
- Diabetic Neuropathy
People with diabetes may also suffer from diabetic neuropathy, a condition in which high blood sugar levels damage the nerves and blood vessels in your body, leading to a loss of sensation in your feet. Therefore, if you get an infection in monsoons, you might remain unaware of it, causing it to worsen with time.
- Poor Blood Circulation
High blood sugar levels can thicken the blood and impair the blood flow to the feet. In addition, it may also cause peripheral artery disease (PAD), a condition in which blood vessels narrow down and obstruct the blood flow to the limbs. All this can consequently affect the body’s ability to heal wounds.
How To Take Care Of Your Feet In Monsoons?
- Regulate Your Blood Sugar Levels
If you manage your blood sugar levels well, you can heal your monsoon infections on time and prevent any severe complications. Therefore, make sure to eat a healthy and balanced diet, exercise regularly and take your diabetes medications.
- Exercise Every Day
Exercising helps improve the blood circulation in your body, especially in your feet. Furthermore, it also helps to regulate your blood sugar levels. Therefore, exercise for at least half an hour every day.
- Check Your Feet Daily
Inspect your feet every day twice for cuts, wounds and blisters. Also, check your toenails as they get infected quite easily during monsoons. In case you suffer from any wound, apply an antibiotic cream or consult with your healthcare professional immediately.
- Keep Your Feet Clean
Wash and clean your feet regularly, especially after coming from outside. It will help reduce the risk of infections and other foot problems.
- Treat Corn and Calluses
If you have corn and calluses, consult your doctor and treat them immediately. If not treated on time, they may develop into ulcers.
- Keep Your Toenails Trimmed
It is essential to trim your toenails regularly. Toenails can cause cuts and damage to the skin and lead to wounds and infections.
- Wear Water-Resistant Shoes
Wear comfortable and water-resistant shoes to prevent getting sores and blisters in monsoons.
- Always Keep Your Feet Dry
Make sure your feet are always dry. If your feet get wet in the rain, come home and dry them immediately with a cotton cloth. Then, moisturise it to prevent cracked skin. Also, try to avoid wearing moist socks in monsoons.
- Avoid Walking Barefoot
When you walk barefoot, you may get in contact with germs and bacteria. Therefore, avoid walking barefoot as much as possible.
- Keep The Blood Circulation Active
Whenever you are sitting, try to keep your feet high and wiggle your feet and toes to improve the blood circulation to the feet.
- Boost Your Immunity
As both diabetes and monsoons affect your immunity, it is essential to boost your immune system. Eat a diet full of antioxidants and vitamin C rich foods, such as citrus fruits, ginger, garlic, onions, mushrooms, etc.
The Bottom Line
If you have diabetes, you are more prone to getting foot infections in monsoons. In diabetes, these foot infections may also give rise to severe complications, including amputations. Therefore, it is crucial to take care of your feet during monsoons and prevent any foot infections or problems.
References
- https://www.diabetes.org/diabetes/complications/foot-complications
- https://www.healthline.com/health-news/diabetes-foods-to-boost-the-immune-system-020114#1
- https://pharmeasy.in/blog/diabetes-foot-care-monsoon-safety-tips/
- https://www.healthline.com/health/diabetes-foot-care
- https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/library/features/healthy-feet.html
- https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/diabetes-foot-care
- https://www.foothealthfacts.org/conditions/diabetic-foot-care-guidelines
- https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/preventing-problems/foot-problems
- https://www.diabetes.org/diabetes/complications/foot-complications
- https://www.healthline.com/health/type-2-diabetes/feet
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/317504
