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Getting a foot up on diabetes

way you eat and exercise -- but to also pay attention to the condition of your feet.A diabetic's feet are prone to problems because, in some cases, feeling can be lost and the development of blisters may go unnoticed,

way you eat and exercise -- but to also pay attention to the condition of your feet.

A diabetic's feet are prone to problems because, in some cases, feeling can be lost and the development of blisters may go unnoticed, causing infection.

With November marking Diabetes Month, it is worth noting that out of the 31 patients in Bermuda who suffered amputations in the past year, 22 had diabetes.

Diabetes is a disease in which your body cannot properly store and process the food you eat for energy.

Normally, your body turns food into sugar, which in turn provides the fuel you need for daily living. But to breakdown these sugars your body needs insulin, which is produced by the pancreas gland.

A person with diabetes does not produce enough insulin or is unable to use the insulin produced by the pancreas, resulting in unused sugar remaining in the blood or being passed in urine.

According to the Diabetes Centre, common symptoms of diabetes are: feeling tired and thirsty; frequent trips to the bathroom -- especially at night; blurred vision.

"On the other hand, you may have been feeling quite well and can't understand how you have diabetes. Even if you have no obvious symptoms (of diabetes) the fact that your blood sugars are higher means diabetes. A normal blood sugar (count) is between 70 and 110, recommends King Edward VII Memorial Hospital's Diabetes Centre.

"How do you lower your blood sugar level? You will be advised how to change your eating habits and to exercise everyday. Some people will need diabetes medication,'' the centre recommends.

Diabetes is a serious disease and can affect all parts of your body. High blood sugars, if not lowered, can cause blindness, kidney failure, heart disease, and lead to amputation.

The Diabetes Centre's dietitian, Cathy Schoenburger, stresses the importance of overall physical health, and in particular says diabetics have to pay special attention to limbs, such as the feet.

Sports R' Us is one of the few places on the Island that carry a good selection of walking shoes, says Mrs. Schoenburger, and they take special care in measuring the foot to make sure the shoe fits. They also carry the Thorlo brand of hiking socks, which are recommended for diabetics.

"It is important that diabetics have a shoe that gives good support and is big enough that it does not cause any friction or have a seam over the toe,'' said Mrs. Schoenburger.

A foot up on diabetes This is important because (diabetics) can develop neuropathy -when they loose feeling in their toes and feet. If they get soars or blisters on their feet they may not realise it and that can lead to an infection,'' she said.

"Diabetics also need a good sock for a walking with a padded sole -- and not too tight at the cuff so circulation is not impaired. "A person with diabetes should be washing their feet daily, being sure to dry well especially between the toes. They should really inspect their feet for sores and redness,'' she adds.

Mrs. Schoenburger also said if they are using lotion, it should not be applied between the toes: "Use powder, as it is often an area that breaks down.

It is also important, she added, that diabetics make sure there is nothing in the shoe or wrinkles in the socks which could lead to blisters and soars. "If high blood sugar and infection sets in they, could be on the road to some serious problems.

"We try to tell people not to wear high heels unless it is special occasion, because they push the toe to the end and you are likely to have problems with friction. There is not a lot of surface to put weight on.'' Mrs. Schoenburger also advised people to buy their shoes in the afternoon -- as feet tend to swell throughout the day.

"Diabetics also have to follow a healthy meal pattern and not skip meals.

Certainly exercise is something we all should be doing, but for diabetics it helps control blood sugar, weight and (the) cardiovascular (system).

"Blood should be tested regularly. There is a test that we do every three months called haemoglobin A1c that tells us how the blood sugar has been for the last three months.'' The test measures the amount of glucose attached to the red blood cells, and if the patient is on medication they need to take it as advised by their physician.

"We encourage people to test their blood sugar at home using a blood glucose monitor, and they can use that information to see the effects of various food, exercise, and if the medication is working.'' In addition there are various types of exercises diabetics can do, such as walking, jogging, swimming, dancing, or using stationary exercise equipment.

The key is being more active every day -- whether your home or at work, said Mrs. Schoenburger.

Health professionals urge patients to think physically, taking small tasks around the home or the office and getting the most health mileage from them.

Small things like taking the stairs instead of the elevator, or hanging the clothes out on the line instead of dumping them into a dryer, said Mrs.

Schoenburger.

And while healthy living can go a long way in treating and preventing diabetes, those diagnosed with high sugar counts still need to follow their doctor's advice, she stressed.