If a doctor has ever told you that you have an elevated blood sugar level - even just once when you were pregnant - you are at risk for diabetes. About 15.7 million people (5.9 percent of the United States population) have the disease. Nervous system impairment is a major problem in diabetics that may cause them to lose feeling in the feet or hands. This means that if you are diabetic, you won't necessarily feel right away if you hurt yourself through a cut, abrasion or other injury. The problem affects about 60 to 70 percent of people with diabetes.

Causes
If you are diabetic, you should monitor your feet carefully. A wound as small as a blister can cause much damage because diabetes decreases your blood flow, making your injuries slow to heal. When your wound is not healing, it’s at risk for infection. As a diabetic, your infections spread quickly. Minor injuries can become major emergencies, including amputation.

Symptoms
If you have diabetes, inspect your feet every day. Look for puncture wounds, bruises, pressure areas, redness, warmth, blisters, ulcers, scratches, cuts and nail problems. Get someone to help you, or use a mirror. Feel each foot for swelling. Examine between your toes. Check six major locations on the bottom of each foot: The tip of the big toe, base of the little toes, base of the middle toes, heel, outside edge of the foot and across the ball of the foot. Check for sensation in each foot. If you find any injury -- no matter how slight -- don’t try to treat it yourself. Go to a doctor right away.

Treatment/Care
If you are diabetic, the following recommendations can help you avoid health concerns that you may be pre-disposed to developing:

• Wash your feet every day with mild soap and warm water. Test the water temperature with your hand first. Don’t soak your feet. When drying them, pat each foot with a towel and be careful between your toes
• Use quality lotion to keep the skin of your feet soft and moist – but do not apply lotion between your toes
• Trim your toenails straight across. Avoid cutting the corners. Use a nail file or emery board. If you find an ingrown toenail, see your doctor
• Do not use antiseptic solutions, drugstore medications, heating pads or sharp instruments on your feet. Do not put your feet on radiators or in front of the fireplace.
• Always keep your feet warm. Wear loose socks to bed. Do not get your feet wet in snow or rain.