Keep Your Feet!

How the Changes Happen

• Poor glucose control• Glycation of tissues causing change in

cells, with basement membrane thickening and small vessel disease

• Neurologic, immunologic and vascular compromise results

Changes Consequences

• Immunopathy• Vasculopathy• Dermopathy• Neuropathy

– Autonomic– Motor

– Sensory

Cells that perform healing functions are neutralized

Blood flow becomes poor or non-existent at skin and other structures

Non-pliable skin, which is easily injured

Thick, yellow skin which is dry and cracked

Atrophy of muscles with contractures of digits

Loss of sensation and balance

Injured skin is unrecognized

Wound extending to bone means amputation

One amputation usually leads to another

Little Things Become Big Things

• Never ignore a red mark, a bruise or blister

• Never ignore an ingrown nail or local trauma

• Never let color changes to the feet or legs go untreated. A ‘little thing’ can become a big thing—with unfortunate results!

Things to Look For

All these injures led to amputations and could have been prevented

High Pressure Points

Blisters

Bites or scrapes

Arterial Compromise

Final Points………

Look for hot spots and trouble

Good shoes Not good shoes

• Check feet daily

• Wear shoes at all times

• Shake out shoes before wearing

• Wear proper fitting shoes

• Don’t use hot water on your feet

• Check glucose levels every day

• Visit primary care doctor regularly

• Visit foot care specialist regularly

• Attend diabetic classes

• Avoid complications by living right, eating right, exercising and staying under control