National Diabetes Reference Materials - An initiative under the War on Diabetes
Nerve damage can make your foot feel numb and change its shape, increasing your risk of getting calluses and ulcers.
Extremely poor blood circulation (vasculopathy) can cause wounds to heal poorly; an amputation may be required to save your life.
Monitor feet every dayWatch out for:•Blister, wounds, corn, callus, or toenail abnormality•Redness, swelling, bruise, or increase warmth
Maintain good foot care and hygiene•Clean feet daily with mild soap and water•Use a pumice stone or foot file to gently remove hard skin •Avoid cutting nails too short; cut them straight across and file corners
Moisturise regularly•Avoid using harsh soap•Apply moisturiser daily but not between each toe •Avoid scrathing skin as it may lead wound or bleeding
Wear well-fitting and covered footwear•Wear well-fitting covered shoes with socks•Home sandals are recommended•Check and remove any stones or sharp object inside shoes before wearing them
Apply simple first aid for small wounds•Clean small wounds with saline before applying antiseptic and covering with a plaster•Home sandals are recommended•Seek medical help if there is no improvement after two days or if there is signs of inspection
Seek medical help if wound is not healing well or worsens•If signs of infection are present, such as redness, swelling, increased pain, pus, fever, or the wound start to smell, seek medical help as soon as possible
Seek immediate medical attention if your foot is cold, pale, discoloured, numb, painful or unable to move
Ideal features of supportive footwear
Brush your teeth and tongue at least twice a day (in the morning and before sleeping) for 2 minutes with fluoride toothpaste
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush; change every 3 months or when bristles spread out
If you wear dentures, clean them after every meal; remove, clean and soak dentures in water before sleeping
Clean in between your teeth with a floss or interdental brush at least once a day
Tilt the brush at an angle to your gum line, moving it in small circular motions across all front, back and chewing surfaces of your teeth, not forgetting the back molars
Visit a dentist every 6 months to 1 year to have your teeth checked; inform the dentist that you have diabetes, how your blood sugar control is and what medication you are taking
Persistent bleeding gums
White patches in your mouth
Receding gum lines
Loose or shaky adult teeth and/or widening gaps between your adult teeth
Pain in your mouth
Bad breath or dry burning sensation in your mouth