I assume that many of us have already heard saddening stories about a person losing a limb because of diabetes. Being diabetic makes a person more vulnerable to complications.

There are people who lose their eyesight, while others have either of their legs amputated. When I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, I started to regulate my blood sugar level, have a healthier diet and give my lower limbs' health more attention.

I don't want to lose either of my legs that is why I followed many instructions regarding foot care and visited my podiatrist in Singapore regularly.

Diabetes and Foot Problems

When I was in my podiatric clinic in Singapore, East Coast Podiatry, my doctor explained how diabetes contributes to foot problem development.

According to my podiatrist, diabetes can cause nerve damage. These affected nerves are commonly located in the lower limbs.

With nerve damage in the lower limbs, you may experience numbness of the feet, which I already noticed even before my diagnosis. When you lose the feeling and control of your feet, you become more prone to injuries.

In my case, I always stumble on my feet, spraining my ankles. I didn't even notice I was stepping on a pebble because I felt nothing. These things are dangerous.

One time, when I was getting my regular pedicure, my ingrown was already bleeding, but I felt nothing.

These things are dangerous, according to my podiatrist in Singapore. Open wounds heal much longer when you have diabetes, and they become more vulnerable to infection if left untreated.

The Common Foot Problems of a Diabetic Person

The good thing about visiting your podiatrist in Singapore or a podiatric clinic is he knows how to manage foot problems, even those related to diabetes. Podiatrists have expertise in lower limb problems.

The most common foot problems of a diabetic person are bunions, calluses, ingrown, and foot infections.

Sometimes sprains obtained due to injuries.

My Few Tips on How To Avoid Diabetes-Related Foot Problems 

1. Visit a Podiatrist Regularly

As I said, podiatrists are the experts on footcare. Before you develop foot problems, learn the care and tips from your podiatrist.

Personally, I am thankful to have found East Coast Podiatry. My podiatrist explained to me how to properly take care of my feet. He gave me some instructions and cautions.

Also, visiting your podiatrist in Singapore helps you monitor your foot health. In my case, when I sprained my ankle from walking in heels, my foot doctor taught me some simple exercises I can do at home. He also recommended me specific shoe insoles and inserts that provide support to my feet and ankle.

2. Wear The Right Shoe

Although I really loved to wear sandals and heels, I have to switch to safer and more comfortable footwear.

Closed shoes are more prefered. It provides a layer of protection to your toes. It protects you from injuries that can cause open wounds.

Rubber shoes with insoles that provide arch support are excellent as well. The insoles my podiatrist recommended gives comfort and support to my arch and ankle. It prevents the development of other foot disorders such as bunions, hammertoes, corns and calluses. You can buy these at your podiatric clinic or the nearest pharmacy.

3. Maintain a Healthy Weight

When you are diagnosed with diabetes, the first thing you will do is to adjust your diet. Consume less sugar and carbohydrates, exercise more and drink enough glasses of water regularly.

Maintaining a healthy weight protects your feet as well. According to my podiatrist from East Coast Podiatry, the weight we carry, be it the heavy laundry or the weight of our body, puts too much pressure on the lower limbs.

Too much pressure affects the muscles, bone structure and joints and tendons in our feet. My podiatrist also said that you become more unstable while walking or standing when you are overweight. Instability may lead to falls and slips that can cause foot injuries.

My Takeaway

To be honest, I never really put so much attention to my feet before I was diagnosed with diabetes. But after reading saddening stories online, I became more aware of the importance of our feet. We should never take for granted our lower limbs. With an underlying condition that puts my feet more vulnerable to injuries, I give them more attention and care now.

Choosing the best podiatric clinic

Selecting the right podiatric clinic is a vital stage in taking care of your feet. East Coast Podiatry has been instrumental in my journey to footcare. Their expert podiatrist gave me the best treatment when I badly sprained my ankle.

East Coast Podiatry provides the highly advanced non-invasive treatment for foot, ankle and leg disorder. Despite focusing on the non-invasive procedure, my podiatrist gave effective and efficient treatment with a fast downtown period, perfect for a diabetic and working professional like me.

People with diabetes can take advantage of non-invasive or no wound treatment for foot disorders in East Coast Podiatry. Book an appointment with East Coast Podiatry today!