Title: 
Diabetes and Your Feet

Word Count:
274

Summary:
Diabetes has many complications, some leading to other serious health conditions. Diabetics need to pay particular attention to their feet.


Keywords:
diabetes, diabetic, diabetic foot problems


Article Body:
We diabetics have to take special care of our feet, or we can find them troubled in 
two ways: reduced blood circulation and nerve damage.

Here's what to look for and some prevention ideas.

<b>Symptom:</b>

If your feet are constantly cold, your legs are sore when you walk, or your feet hurt 
in bed at night, you may be suffering from poor blood circulation. This, in turn, can 
slow down the process of healing when you have cuts or other damage to your feet.

<b>Prevention:</b>

Staying physically active is one way to help improve your circulation. You also need 
to control your blood fat and sugar levels, as well as your blood pressure. And of 
course, don't smoke.

<b>Symptom:</b>

If your feet are numb, you have a burning sensation on the soles of your feet or pins 
and needles in your feet, you have signs of possible nerve damage.

Foot nerves are the longest in our bodies and are therefore susceptible to damage 
by diabetes. If these nerves are damaged, the feelings are lessened, so we could 
have the cuts or blisters that can lead to ulcers, and we wouldn't even know about 
it.

<b>Prevention:</b>

Check your feet regularly to be sure there are no signs of injury. If you develop 
corns or calluses, have them treated immediately by a podiatrist. Wash and dry 
carefully between your toes, and keep your nails trimmed and smooth.

Everyone likes to have their feet pampered, but for us diabetics it not only feels 
good, it also prevents serious health problems in the future. So book that foot 
massage now!