The Importance of Foot Care for Diabetics

Liputan6.com, Jakarta – Living with diabetes brings unique challenges, and one of the things that requires special attention is foot care. Reporting from the Hindustan Times, Tuesday 10 October 2023, according to health experts, diabetes can impact various parts of the body, including the feet, making individuals with diabetes more susceptible to experiencing foot problems due to reduced blood flow and nerve damage.

In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Rajiv Kovil, Chairman of Zandra Healthcare and co-founder of the Rang De Neela initiative, revealed, “Poor blood circulation is a significant concern for people with type 2 diabetes, as it can lead to an increased risk of amputation.”

He further explains, “people may experience pain when walking, as well as tingling or decreased sensation in the feet. People with type 2 diabetes also face a higher risk of foot infections, ulcers, and delayed wound healing. Nerve damage, known as neuropathy, is a major problem that further increases the chances of amputation.”

Many women with diabetes feel that a pedicure is an important part of their foot care routine, but Dr Kovil advises against getting a pedicure at a beauty salon. Instead, he recommends visiting a podiatrist or orthotist specializing in foot care to get proper care.

Dr Rajiv Kovil explained that the reason behind this warning lies in the fact that diabetics, especially those whose blood sugar levels are uncontrolled, are prone to foot problems such as decreased circulation and nerve damage.

“This condition reduces the foot’s ability to fight infection and interferes with the ability to feel injury. During a pedicure, even small cuts and scratches on the skin can increase the risk of infection. In addition, cleanliness in the salon is very important, especially for diabetes sufferers,” he explained.

2023-10-15 21:00:00
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