Preventive steps for Foot Care


* Every 30 seconds a leg is lost to diabetes somewhere in the world

* 70% of all leg amputations worldwide are caused by diabetes

* Most amputations begin with foot ulcers. Happy feet


Diabetes affects the feet because nerves in this region are the longest in the body. foot careDeficiency in insulin causes underutilization of glucose in the nerves. This glucose gets converted into toxic deposits in the nerves and affects circulation. Diabetics often suffer from a burning sensation in the feet and legs.

Get help early

Because of neuropathy (lack of sensation in the feet), diabetics often report foot wounds late. As nerves get burnt out, one also suffers painless deformities of the feet. Vasculopathy results from an accumulation of cholesterol in blood vessels, causing them to narrow down and obstruct circulation. “For a diabetic, age-related degeneration of blood vessels is four times faster.

Life long care

Diabetics must keep the foot clean and injury-free at all times. The power of prevention in diabetic foot care is immense. Round-the year care can do wonders in preserving circulation in the legs and thus ensure, healthy and happy feet.


foot careA recent study by Chinese experts has given new hope to diabetics. Researchers led by Tao Xia of the China Normal University have found that pumpkin extract is a potential treatment for diabetics and could help reduce the amount of insulin they need to take. Xia and his team found that diabetic rats fed pumpkin extract had only 5% less plasma insulin and 8% fewer insulin-positive (beta) cells compared to normal healthy rats.

Pumpkin: the hope against diabetes

This has led them to conclude that pumpkin extract is a very good product for pre-diabetics as well as those who already have the disease.

The protective effect of pumpkin is thought to be due to both anti-oxidants and D-chiro-inositol, a molecule that mediates insulin activity.


Oral Vitamin C supplements appear to help prevent eye disease in diabetic rats. The Vitamin C appeared to help keep blood sugar levels down and slow the reduction of blood flow that happens as diabetes progresses and leads to diabetic blindness (retinopathy). The researchers say it is way too early to recommend mega doses of foot careVitamin C as a way to help manage diabetes in humans; though Vitamin C to prevent retinopathy Oral insulin formulation looks promising

A group of researchers in the UK say they have created an oral insulin product with a special coating that allows the medication to pass through the stomach unscathed and be released in the small intestine where it can be absorbed. Results of a small initial study are expected to show it provided good blood sugar control. An oral insulin medication could free type 1 and advanced type 2 diabetics from insulin injections and improve the quality of their lives.

What’s good, what’s not?

* Wash feet in lukewarm water twice a day.

* Wipe with a clean towel; keep the spaces between the toes dry.

* Apply coconut oil to keep the skin supple.

* Do not cut toenails too close to the skin.

* Buy new shoes late in the day since feet swell by evening.

* Always wear socks, clean and not too tight.

* Avoid pointed shoes, high heels, strapless and backless shoes.

* Don’t use a heater or hot water bottle for your feet.

* Don’t smoke—smoking affects blood supply to the feet.

* Don’t wear jewelry on your feet.