COVID-19 is scary for diabetics and here is why. A French study found, that 3/10 diabetic patients treated for the novel coronavirus either required ventilation or died within a week of hospitalization.

Researchers looked at more than 1,300 patients with COVID-19 in French hospitals who also had diabetes — 89 per cent of whom had Type 2 — and found that 10 per cent died by day seven of their hospitalization, and one in five needed a ventilator to breathe.

The average age was 70 years old and most of the patients were male. Diabetics is a huge risk factor for more serious COVID-19 results and complications. Other influential factors were age (particularly over 75) also obstructive sleep apnea and higher BMI were also linked with higher death rates. People in these groups should limit their risk of exposure to the virus. Please note that although diabetics have a higher risk of complications, they do not have a higher risk of contracting the virus.

If you have diabetes be sure to follow rigorous hygiene routines and limit exposure to any potential opportunities of exposure.

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If you are a Diabetic, exercise even greater caution during the COVID-19 pandemic to prevent injuries and unnecessary visits to the hospitals as doctor’s offices are now closed. Hospitals will already be over-burdened and you don’t want to expose yourself or others to a greater risk for COVID-19.

Some of the preventive measures Diabetics can take are:

1.)Check feet for injuries daily

Because Diabetics have lesser sensations in their feet, injuries may occur and not even be noticed. Check feet daily for any areas that are hot, swollen, painful or red. These are signs that an infection may be present. If there is any dampness that may be a sign that something is draining such as a blister or open sore.

2.)Wash and moisturize your feet daily

Although people are staying at home every day, be sure to still exercise good hygiene habits and wash, dry and moisturize your feet every day. However, be sure not to moisturize between your toes. Make sure to have a good supply of moisturizer so you don’t run out. Wearing socks after moisturizing is a good idea to help the lotion absorb into the skin.

3.)Don’t walk barefoot at home

Don’t risk stepping on something sharp at home that can cause an injury to an unprotected foot. Even stepping on something like a toy can lead to a serious injury if left undetected. Wearing indoor runners would be the best choice for protection.

4.)Get some exercise

Diabetics have poor circulation so it’s very important to incorporate some exercise during your day. Go for a walk, work in the garden, do an online yoga video or go for a bike ride. There are still many possibilities and now that the weather is nicer outdoor options are available. If you haven’t exercised for a while start slow and work your way up. Just walk for 5 mins and add on a minute per day.

5.)Cut toenails carefully and never cut callouses

Try to keep our toenails at a good length but be careful not to cut into the skin. If you cannot reach your toenails use a file to file the edges. If there is someone who has steady hands who can help you enlist their assistance, If you have hard callouses use a pumice stone or emery board after soaking your feet to file them down. Never use a razor or knives to cut them. That is very dangerous

6.)Watch for bleeding under callouses

if you notice bleeding or red spots under callouses call your doctor immediately as there may be an ulcer or damaged skin underneath.

If you have any questions we are still available by phone 604-339-2878. Stay healthy and safe.

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Everyone has foot issues now and then but if you are a diabetic even a common foot issue can lead to an infection or other serious complications. In some cases amputation is required. Winter can bring additional risks for the diabetic because the cold weather can increase the lack of sensation in the lower extremities caused by neuropathy. This can result in increased falls due to unsteadiness, increased injuries and the inability to detect foot sores and blisters. Because of the nerve disease and poor circulation in their extremities, diabetics need to not rely on their senses but rather have a rigorous foot care routine especially during the Winter months.

Here are some tips to keep your feet healthy during the Winter months if you are a diabetic:

Maintain Dry Feet

When it comes to your feet, rain, snow and slushy weather have something in common: they cause dampness. Moisture that collects between your toes and on your feet and toes can form bacteria, which can lead to an infection. Be sure to wear shoes that are water-proof and keep feet toasty with the diabetic thermal socks which keep your feet warm while keeping moisture away.

Wear the Proper Fitting Shoes For the Weather

Diabetics should wear shoes that are well-fitted, preferably with a wide toe box. Also, look for shoes that are lined with warm material and have a water-proof exterior. Keep in mind how much additional space you need to account for thicker socks.

Moisturize your Feet Liberally Daily

To keep skin hydrated and prevent cracking, use a moisturizer daily. However, don’t moisturize in between the toes as this could lead to a fungal infection. Diabetics have poor circulation which decreases the moisturizing glands in patients leading to severe dryness in the feet.

Avoid Direct Heat to Your Feet.

To minimize dryness and the risk of burning their feet, diabetics should not apply any heat to their feet. It may seem like a cozy thing to do on a cold Winter day but warming your feet by the fire can lead to dire consequences. With the lowered sensitivity of diabetic feet, the chance of burning them is quite high. Diabetic people may not feel that their feet are burning and can experience second and third degree burns. Diabetics should not apply heat in a car, place their feet by a fire, dip into hot water foot baths and avoid heading devices such as electric blankets, heated shoe inserts and heating pads.

Get Regular Foot Exams From a Pedorthist

With proper foot care and regular professional exams, patients with diabetes can lessen their chances of incurring a foot issue. With regular visits, a Pedorthist can notice changes in their patients’ feet and provide the appropriate treatment.

If you are a diabetic contact us for an appointment and we can help you create a hygiene plan and select the right shoes for you.

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Diabetics most often endure some form of foot pain because of nerve damage and poor circulation. Nerve damage occurs due to Peripheral Neuropathy. Peripheral Neuropathy refers to the damage to the peripheral nerves due to consistently high insulin levels. Peripheral Neuropathy foot pain can either manifest as numbness or also a burning, stabbing sharp pain. The foot pain can start off minimal but can worsen over time and spread up the legs to make walking unbearable. Even soft touches can feel painful.

There are generally 2 types of Diabetic foot pain. The first type is often described by patients as shooting, lightning-like, tingling, burning or sharp. The second type is the feeling similar to an uncomfortable numbness. Some people have also noticed that their feet feel hot or cold for no apparent reason. Increased ultra-sensitively to touch has also been observed. Further symptoms can include a loss of reflexes, muscle weakness and loss of balance and coordination. 

Although any Diabetic can develop Peripheral Neuropathy some factors increase the risk. You are most likely to develop Peripheral Neuropathy if you don’t control your blood sugar adequately, have kidney disease, are overweight,  have a longer history of Diabetes or are a smoker. Staying healthy and controlling your blood sugar will help avoid developing Peripheral Neuropathy.

You can also prevent or delay Diabetic Neuropathy and foot pain by controlling your blood sugar, having annual foot checks by your doctor and performing a comprehensive daily Diabetic foot care regimen. If you have Diabetic foot pain contact us and we can help you reduce the pain.

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