Diabetes Skin Care: Watch for These Warning Signs
For those with diabetes, each day is filled with a variety of tasks to ensure the disease remains under control: Checking blood sugar levels. Balancing meals. Managing medications. And it’s equally important for diabetics to protect against skin-related issues that can occur, particularly on the feet, which can be impacted by:
- Nerve damage (peripheral neuropathy)
- Poor circulation
- Infection
- Wound healing problems
- And more
Hired Hands Homecare’s skilled in-home care team shares information on the following foot issues to watch for in your senior loved ones with diabetes:
- Foot ulcers. Foot ulcers are common in diabetics as a result of sores that can’t be felt due to peripheral neuropathy, and they can quickly worsen and spread infection. Poor circulation can also make it difficult for foot sores to heal.
- Bunions, corns or calluses. These can develop from an abnormal gait, improperly fitting shoes, or foot alignment issues.
Infections. Toenail infections may display as thickening of the nail, discoloration, or brittleness. Athlete’s foot and other fungal infections of the feet can also occur. - Cracking. Dryness of the skin can lead to cracking, particularly around the heel area.
Since problems as severe as amputation can result from poor diabetic care, it’s crucial to check the senior’s feet on a regular basis and see the physician with any concerns. It’s also important to make sure the older adult wears properly fitted footwear at all times, avoiding going barefoot.
Hired Hands Homecare’s trained Tri Valley home care experts can help keep your senior loved ones safe from diabetic-related complications in the following ways:
- Providing safe, reliable transportation and accompaniment to medical appointments and procedures
- Picking up prescriptions and ensuring medications are taken exactly as prescribed
- Personal hygiene assistance to ensure the skin is kept clean and dry
- Ensuring the fridge and pantry are stocked with healthy food choices
- Preparing and serving nutritious meals – and providing companionship during meals if desired to make mealtime more pleasant
- Assessing the home for any dangers that could result in a fall or other injury
- Noticing any changes in skin condition so they can be reported to the physician
- And much more
Contact us at (866) 940-4343 for more helpful resources for diabetes care, and for hands-on assistance in the home to keep your senior loved ones safe, healthy and thriving.
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