An Ounce of Prevention Can Keep Your Feet Healthy for Life
We sure do take our feet for granted. That is, until we have diabetes or start having foot problems. Some people start hearing about the relationship of diabetes and feet problems the first time they are diagnosed. For others, it may be their feet that take them to their health care provider for help. No pun intended. Really, some people may have noticed a change in their feet – a sore that won’t heal, pain, numbness, tingling, or even a change in the shape of their feet. They go to their health care provider for help with their feet and they are told they have diabetes, or elevated blood glucose (blood sugar).
For the most part, when foot problems occur related to diabetes, this is called peripheral neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy is nerve damage that affects the feet, legs, or hands. It can cause pain, numbness, or a tingling feeling in these areas.
Posted by Joy Pape
Continue reading -- "An Ounce of Prevention Can Keep Your Feet Healthy for Life"
I Can’t Exercise Because of My Feet
We all seem to have excuses why we can't do things to improve our diabetes management, especially when it comes to exercise or being more physically active. Many people with diabetes say, "I can't exercise because of my feet." After years of experience with diabetes and foot care, I listen when someone tells me that. For many, it's not just an excuse not to exercise, it's the truth…that is, until they learn what they can do. Let's face it, most of us can do something more. Having diabetes and foot problems doesn't excuse you from moving more, but there are some things you need to know.
Posted by Joy Pape
Continue reading -- "I Can’t Exercise Because of My Feet"
The Do's and Don'ts of Footcare
A dlife reader asks:
My right big toe has a medium size wound on the bottom side that just will not fill in and heal. I have tried all the ointments and creams, dressings, bandages, you name it and nothing works. Meanwhile, I have ruined many a right sock with soaked pus/blood/fluids and my right shoe stinks beyond belief (even with the shoe powders used).
My work requires me to be on my feet for 10-12 hours a day and I do wear good shoes. I keep my blood sugar levels under 100 and test every day, eat the right foods and exercise as much as possible. I have been having foot pains and numbness in both feet now for almost a year and sort of fear the worst is coming... any suggestions???
Tony Graham
Bend, OR
Joy Pape, RN, BSN, CDE,WOCN,CFCN answers:
Hi Tony. I'm so glad you wrote. I know dLife contacted you as soon as we received your note instructing you to GO TO YOUR DOCTOR RIGHT AWAY! I hope you followed that advice.
Posted by Joy Pape
Continue reading -- "The Do's and Don'ts of Footcare"
Shoes Can Make or Break Your Outfit
We're taking a break from our wound care series to help you get through the holidays. I can't really say this isn't part of wound care because if you're wearing the wrong shoes you can get wounds. Wearing the right shoes are one way to prevent foot problems that can ultimately end up in amputations. I don't mean to scare you here, but it's the truth.
I'm sure you've heard the saying, "Shoes can make or break an outfit." This has to do with fashion. I'm not so sure people take health into consideration with that statement. We should.
How many times have you worn shoes because of how they look only to have your feet killing you for days, weeks, even months afterwards? I did it one day last summer. It wasn't worth it. For those of us living with diabetes it's very dangerous
Posted by Joy Pape
Continue reading -- "Shoes Can Make or Break Your Outfit "
Stay on Your Toes
This month a lot of people want to know how to find a "diabetic foot doctor." I commend you for wanting to see a specialist for your feet. That tells me you realize the importance of taking care of your feet. I hope you are realizing this because you are keeping on top of things and learning more everyday about the importance of keeping up and learning all you can about your diabetes.
There are several ways to find a "diabetic foot doctor." One way is to speak to your health care provider and ask for a referral to see a podiatrist. Another way is to check with The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) where you can link to Find a Podiatrist on the home page. Call 1-800-FOOTCARE (366-8227) for information on Foot Health. For general questions call 1-301-571-9200.
I've also been asked several questions about where people can buy comfortable shoes. I'm so glad you asked about comfortable shoes and not beautiful shoes. Again, many of you are learning and thinking. Don't get me wrong, we all like nice-looking shoes, but comfort and protection are of utmost importance.
Posted by Joy Pape
Continue reading -- "Stay on Your Toes"
Neuropathy by Any Other Disease is Still Neuropathy
Thanks for writing me your questions this month. Most everyone who has diabetes sees their pharmacist on a regular basis, but we don’t always think of our pharmacist as part of our diabetes team. They are very much a part of our team! In fact most of us see or talk with our pharmacist more than any other health care provider we work with. With that being so, just think of all the people they get to talk with and learn from to be able to help you. I’ve asked Jimmy Bennett Registered Pharmacist, Certified Diabetes Educator to help me with the questions you’ve sent me this month.
Thanks for asking. We at dLife will continue to do our best to get your questions answered.
Here goes…EnJOY! and thank you, Jimmy.
Posted by Joy Pape
Continue reading -- "Neuropathy by Any Other Disease is Still Neuropathy"
Finding a Foot Doc
Many people ask me how to find a "diabetic foot doctor." I commend you for wanting to see a specialist for your feet. That tells me you realize the importance of taking care of your feet. I hope you are realizing this because you are keeping on top of things and learning more everyday about the importance of keeping up and learning all you can about your diabetes.
Posted by Joy Pape
Continue reading -- "Finding a Foot Doc"
Summer Feet
Here it is: Summertime. I bet many of you wore sandals in the summer... that is B.D., or Before Diabetes. I bet a lot of you still wear sandals. Not the best option for shoes for people who have diabetes. But let's be real: I know many of you still wear sandals. I also know that most women get pedicures so their feet and toes will look delicious in those sandals, although pedicure are not the best choice for people who have diabetes.
But you can have diabetes and pretty up your feet and nails. Here are some practical tips of how to have prettier, healthier summer feet and nails for people who have diabetes and must have that pedicure.
Posted by Joy Pape
Welcome!
Welcome to my home on the web, where you can find resources and tools to help manage your diabetes. Use this site to send me email, check my schedule, download blood glucose logs and other helpful tools, and learn more about diabetes.
The tabs located at the top right of the page will help you find what you need. Use the "About Me" tab to find out more about me and see my group schedule. The "Resources" tab is a library of helpful tools and information to help you manage and learn more about your diabetes. Finally "Blog" will take you to a collection of my personal tips, practice updates, and other useful information that is updated regularly.
Posted by Joy Pape
