Feet

[Essex]

Hi,

Is this feet thing with Diabetes something that happens after years of too high BG?

I ask as my doctor (I go private here in PT so can go straight to 'internal medicine' Diabetes specialist) didnt ask to look at my feet, nor the nurse who gave me a pep talk and the meter

I have gout

Its kind of 'in remission', as in no 'attacks' for years

Once I realised what it was & stopped beer it was much better, although its also genetic (thanks Dad!)

But my big toe ball joints are deformed (I was told that it hits there as that joint is the most stressed in the body - not evolved enough for walking yet)

The gout diet restrictions have been mainly left by the by tho - and together with the Type 2 stuff now mean my diet Venn diagram 'what to eat' section is getting a bit small - plus my birch pollen - fruit crossover allergies - Ho hum 😉

Peas are the worst for gout etc

So I am used to this diet restrictions thing any way

 

[helli]

@Essex hopefully, your questions are answered here: https://www.diabetes.org.uk/guide-to-diabetes/complications/feet

The biggest problem from my understand is neuropathy - damage to your nerves - which means you may not feel other problems such as ulcers until they get bad. This is why you need to keep a close eye on your feet and check them daily.

 

[Essex]

Thanks @helli
I should have seen that

"You may also get cramps and pain in your legs or feet."
So this is normal and nowt to be worried about?

I droped a big slab of stone on my foot in wellies a couple of weeks ago and it Bl**dy hurt so, I can still feel them

 

[rebrascora]

Poorly controlled diabetes also affects the small blood vessels supplying the feet (and eyes). The combination of lowered sensation due to nerve damage and poor blood flow means that feet are a prime location for infection to occur and rapidly get out of control and because they are less within our view than hands and most other parts of our body, particularly for people with restricted mobility, infection can go undetected until it has really taken off..... So this is why feet should be checked annually after a diabetes diagnosis, both for sensitivity and blood circulation ie a good strong pulse, but also well cared for by the patient with daily washing and moisturizing and always wearing footwear to protect them, even in the house ie slippers and getting any injury checked out if it doesn't heal as expected..

 

[Essex]

Thanks @rebrascora !
Do you think that you could edit your post to, ' but also well cared for by the patient's spouse with daily washing and moisturizing?' so that I could show it to my OH?

 

[rebrascora]

Perhaps..... Would you also like me to include that she should use expensive oils to moisturize them and her hair to dry them?? 😉

 

[Bruce Stephens]

Perhaps..... Would you also like me to include that she should use expensive oils to moisturize them and her hair to dry them??

Should also recommend regular foot massages...

 

[Essex]

Shhhh! she'll hear you!

 

[helli]

I have heard somewhere that providing foot massage to your significant other is beneficial for your diabetes management or at least some part of your health 😉

 

[Essex]

Tried that
She fell asleep.

 

[Bruce Stephens]

I have heard somewhere that providing foot massage to your significant other is beneficial for your diabetes management or at least some part of your health

I was just thinking about improving blood circulation, but whatever works.

 

[trophywench]

... and there was me, thinking how much I've always loved a foot or shoulder massage and also recalling someone said they took Citalopram so might do well with anything relaxing ......

 

[Essex]

Good idea. Despite the fact that I've got my anxiety and stuff (finally, WHY didnt I do that when I was 22??) sorted (therapy whilst taking escitalopram as a help to 'smooth the corners'), I think that I might try that as an approach with my OH, 'I'm so anxious I need a massage'

Pity she is a Psychologist (not mine obv ) and far cleverer than I
She is also Portuguese, so can be a bit volatile, gulp.

Actually, joking aside, head massages instantly make me REALLY relax, to the point that I have often dropped off in the hairdressers chair, when I used to go to swanky places in Lisbon.