By Silpa Sreekumar, Candok Health Coach @ candok.in
It will be inaccurate to think of type 2 diabetes as a mild healthcare concern. As we notice, the number of people suffering from diabetes is on the rise and this is linked to changing lifestyles- majorly linked to unhealthy diet and lack of physical activity. Type 2 diabetes has become a healthcare priority in recent decades and large scale interventions are already ongoing to build awareness and treat people with diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes is a lifestyle condition which in the first place need not exist. People who take advantage of dietary changes and improve physical activity are found to bring Type 2 diabetes well under control,and in some cases even reverse it. Uncontrolled diabetes is also linked to stroke, vascular diseases and nerve damages. Neuropathy, the damage to nerves which most affects the foot, can be a painful condition for some; some may experience only numbness or slight sensations, which can also worsen overtime.
If your blood sugar levels are high, you may want to start a dietary regimen with small changes for a month and check again. If the condition is not improving you may need to make a bit more healthy changes. While we strongly recommend a lifestyle change for managing type 2 diabetes, for those of you who are suffering from diabetic foot the following tips may be helpful.
Take shower daily. Wash your feet with lukewarm water and mild soap. Never use hot water.
Check your feet daily. Use a hand mirror to look at the bottom of your feet, examine if there are any cuts, blisters, sores, cracks or red spots. Ask someone to check for any changes or injuries.
Stop smoking. Chemicals in cigarettes damage your blood vessels and restricts blood circulation to your feet
Cut/trim toenails and keep them short. Don’t cut too short, rounded nails will cause ingrown toenails.
Clean dry socks should be used. Prefer right fit socks, too tight ones will limit blood flow.
Comfortable shoes with more depth for the toe bone may be a better option. Orthotic shoes are custom molded diabetic shoes that can stabilize, relieve and reduce pressure on your foot.
Keep feet up when sitting. Do enough exercise that can promote healthy blood flow to the feet.
Treat corn and bunions carefully.
Manage blood sugar: Take necessary steps to control blood sugar.
A dietitian or a nutritionist can provide valuable guidance to improve and control diabetes.
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Candok Health Coach can provide guidance, prepare a customized diet plan, suggest basic physical activity and guide you through your journey to health and wellbeing. Based on the requirement, the coach will involve your treating physician to monitor and taper medications as required.
Understanding and applying Nutrition Series. Edited by Candok Editorial Board, Candok Lifestyle. Live Life, Naturally!