Foot Care Problems Related to Diabetes

• Calluses and corns are thick layers of skin that are often caused from the bottom of the foot rubbing up against a surface to the point of irritation. Calluses can develop when this excess pressure on one spot of the foot causes a thickening of the skin. Calluses and corns are at a risk of becoming infected.
• Dry and cracked skin can develop when the nerve endings in your feet and legs do not get and relay the signal to keep your skin soft and moist. If the dry skin cracks and peels, harmful bacteria and fungus may be able to enter. In cases of elevated blood glucose levels, the glucose may feed the germs and accelerate the infection. Athletes foot is a fungus that causes a cracking of the skin and redness. It can lead to itchy and red feet. The fissures between the toes may allow germs to get under the skin. If blood glucose is elevated, it can nourish the bacteria or fungi and accelerate the infection.
• Plantar warts are caused by a virus. These plantar warts usually form underneath the feet.
• Blisters can form on the feet from one part of the foot rubbing up excessively on the same spot, building up pressure on the area and thickening the skin. Wearing shoes that do not fit properly or wearing sockless sneakers can cause painful blisters. Blisters can become contaminated with germs.
• Hammertoes form when the muscles in the foot weakens. The decreased strength of the muscle may be from diabetic nerve damage. The destabilized muscle makes the tendons in the feet shorter and makes the toes curl underneath the foot. As a result, sores may develop on the top of the toes and underneath the feet. The feet may even deform and change their figure. Hammertoe can create difficulty with walking, exercising. Hammertoe can also make finding a proper fitting shoe difficult. Hammer toe may have a hereditary link. Wearing sneakers or shoes that are not long enough may contribute to hammertoes.
• Ingrown toenails occur when a nails edge grows into the skin instead of outward. The skin can become infected and red. Ingrown Toenails may become ingrown if you cut into the corners when you clip them. Ingrown toenails may also develop in sneakers or shoes that are too constrictive.

Blood Glucose Meter Checking for Keytones Child's Risk for Diabetes Detecting Pre-Diabetes Diabetes and Depression Diabetes and Exercise Diabetes Food Pyramid Diabetes Medications Diabetic Food Servings Diet and Nutrition Exercise and Your Health Foot Care for Diabetes Genetics and Diabetes

Gestational Diabetes Glucose Control Glucose Lowering Drugs Mantaining Blood Glucose Levels Meal Planning for Diabetes Nutrition and Diabetes Obesity and Diabetes Overcoming Exercise Walls Prevent Type 2 Diabetes Treating Gestational Diabetes Type 2 Diabetes