Mailbag: Foot Care for Folks with Diabetes
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted May 28, 2024
“As a senior with diabetes, I’m concerned about the health of my feet. What should I be doing to prevent things like neuropathy or foot ulcers?”
– Mildred
One of the first things I advise my own diabetic patients who are at risk for neuropathies and foot ulcers is also the most obvious.
I explain that controlling their blood sugar is their NUMBER ONE priority.
Over time, high blood sugar can seriously damage nerves and blood vessels… especially in the feet, leading to poor circulation and a loss of sensation. That’s a recipe for disaster.
Next, I point out that eating a balanced diet low in simple carbs and sugars, exercising regularly, and getting enough quality sleep is also essential.
Healthy blood-sugar-supporting supplements, including cinnamon, alpha-lipoic acid, and chromium, can give folks an extra edge in keeping glucose levels in check.
Anyone who is diabetic or battling rising blood sugar should check their feet DAILY. Report any cuts, blisters, redness, or swelling to your doctor.
If you can’t easily see the bottoms of your feet, use a mirror or ask someone else to help. Catching foot problems early is key!
I also encourage my diabetic patients to…
- wash their feet daily with warm (not hot!) water and gentle soap
- dry each foot carefully, especially between the toes
- moisturize to prevent cracking and dryness (but avoid putting lotion between the toes because that can lead to fungal infections)
Folks who are diabetic should ALWAYS wear shoes and socks that fit well—no cramming your feet into tight spaces! And NEVER go barefoot, even indoors. One little cut or scrape can turn into a big problem fast.
Regular foot care is VITAL for anyone with diabetes. If your insurance covers it (and most do), consider regularly seeing a podiatrist.
P.S. The vitamin that NO diabetic can afford to ignore!
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
A New Reason to Ditch Processed Junk
If you’ve ever walked the inside aisles of your local grocery store and thought, “This is all just junk,” your instincts were spot on. A new study published in the journal Thorax just added another red flag to the list of dangers linked to ultra-processed food—a 41 percent higher risk of lung cancer. That’s right....
When Being Winded on Stairs Is Serious (And When It Isn’t)
I had an athlete visit me recently because he experienced shortness of breath while climbing stairs. He is in great shape, so he was worried about what it might mean. “Doc,” he said, “I run five miles three times a week. Why am I huffing and puffing after two flights of stairs?” His concern is...
Study EXPOSES Hidden Danger Lurking in Your Car
We think of our homes and cars as safe havens. But according to a startling new study, they may be flooding your lungs with microscopic plastic particles—every single day. Researchers in France recently found that adults inhale an average of 68,000 microplastic particles daily from indoor air alone. To put that in perspective, that’s about...
Mailbag: Is Modern Food Making You Snore?
“What can cause snoring, and is there a way to correct this issue?” —Seeking Silence Hi Seeking, Snoring happens when the soft tissues in your throat relax and vibrate as air passes through during sleep. While several factors can cause snoring—from sleep position to nasal congestion—I want to share one trigger that might surprise you....
Simple Food Swap SLASHES Dementia Risk 28%
Let’s be honest… who would jump at the chance to cut their dementia risk by 28 percent. And no, you don’t need to run marathons, survive on broccoli, or learn to play the zither (whatever that is) to make it happen. All it takes is one easy swap—something that’s probably already in your refrigerator. Researchers...
This SMART Floss Exposes Hidden Health Danger
Scientists have created dental floss that doesn’t just clean between your teeth—it also tracks your stress while you’re flossing. Now, I know what you’re thinking… “Great—now even flossing is going to stress me out by telling me how stressed I am.” But this fascinating new tool from Tufts University could be a game-changer for understanding...
Is This "Safe" Sweetener Damaging Your Brain?
The headlines are alarming… “Popular Sugar Substitute Linked to Brain Cell Damage” and “Erythritol Could Damage Critical Brain Barrier” are just two of the dozens I’ve spotted recently. But before you toss every sugar-free product in your pantry, let’s take a closer look at what this study actually shows—and what it doesn’t. The latest research...
This Summer Threat Could SPIKE Your Blood Sugar
Picture this… It’s another scorching hot summer day. You crank up the air conditioning while watching the weather forecast, which predicts yet another “record-breaking” heat wave. It’s starting to feel like just another miserably uncomfortable summer. But what you might not realize is that—if you have diabetes—those rising temps could do far more damage to...
Move Over Yogurt—5 Foods That Pack MORE Probiotics
Let’s talk about your gut. The microbiome is the collection of trillions of bacteria and other tiny organisms that live in and on your body—especially in your gut—and help keep you healthy. I’ve written often about how vital it is to maintain a healthy microbiome. And you might have dutifully added yogurt to your shopping...
Is Your Heart Older Than YOU?
Maybe you feel young for your age. Good energy, decent sleep, eating your veggies. But what if I told you your heart might be a decade older than the rest of you? That’s exactly what researchers at Northwestern University found in a new study published in JAMA Cardiology. The average American woman’s heart is about...