Many of our patients here at Montgomery Foot Care Specialists have diabetes. It’s a disease that affects a person’s life and health in many, many ways.
Some diabetics have to monitor their blood sugar several times a day. Others suffer from skin infections, excessive hunger or thirst, heart disease, kidney failure, mood swings, or depression. The daily routine that’s been keeping their blood sugar under control might not work forever, and so they have to be alert to changes. For example, the hormonal changes they experience as they age can spike their blood sugar levels.
One thing our qualified podiatrists want to underscore today is that maintaining healthy feet is super important for all diabetics. Uncontrolled blood sugar can damage your feet in two major ways:
- It can eventually damage the nerves in your feet, causing burning or stabbing sensations that make walking painful and difficult.
- It also affects the body’s blood vessels. It may become difficult for blood to flow properly through your feet. Wounds don’t heal well. Infections set in more easily.
So to our diabetic patients and their families, Dr. Heidi M. Christie and Dr. Chanda L. Day-Houts say this: protect your feet by doing everything you can to keep your blood sugar levels in check. Here are 4 ways to make that happen:
- Watch your diet
Eat whole foods. Stay away from processed foods, added sugars, and soft drinks. - Exercise
Regular exercise helps keep you at a healthy weight while it regulates blood sugar. - Take your meds
If your doctor has prescribed medication to help control blood sugar, be vigilant about taking it. - Make and keep doctor appointments
Check in regularly with your primary care physician, your dentist, your eye doctor, and of course, your podiatrist. Here in the river region, you can expect top-quality foot care from Dr. Christie and Dr. Day-Houts. If you’re diabetic, you should make an appointment with us at least once a year or anytime there’s a problem with your feet. Call us in Montgomery, Alabama at (334) 396-3668 or click here to make an appointment online.