What can I do to help prevent foot ulcers?

As a rule, the better the control of your diabetes, the less likely you are to develop complications such as foot ulcers. In general, you can lower your risk of diabetes-related complications by keeping your blood sugar in the goal range and seeing your doctors for regular checkups.

1) So You can keep your BGL in a goal range by:

·       By regulary monitoring your BGL and HBA1C level, blood cholesterol levels etc

·       By doing regular exercise and eating a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables

2) Treatment of diabetes and other health risk factors

Also, where appropriate, treatment of high blood pressure (hypertension), high cholesterol level and reducing any other risk factors will reduce your risk of diabetic complications. In particular, if you smoke, you are strongly advised to stop smoking.

3) And you can prevent foot related problems by doing Regular foot care as advised by your doctor .

Clinical foot exams : Check the blood flow and sensation in feet. The frequency of these clinical exams will depend on which type of diabetes patient have:

• 1.     In people with type 1 diabetes, annual foot exams should begin five years after diagnosis.
• 2.     In people with type 2 diabetes, annual foot exams should begin at the time of diagnosis.

Most people with diabetes are reviewed at least once a year by a doctor and other health professionals. Part of this review is to examine the feet to look for problems such as reduced sensation or poor circulation. If any problems are detected then more frequent feet examinations will usually be recommended.