Diabetic Foot Care Tips and Checklist

Hot Tip: Make sure to ask your doctor about Medicare coverage for special footwear.

You may need special shoes, or shoe inserts to prevent serious foot problems. If you have Medicare Part B insurance, you may be able to get some of the cost of special shoes or inserts paid for. Ask your doctor whether you qualify for:

1. 1 Pair of *Depth Shoes and 3 pairs of inserts, or;


2. 1 pair of custom molded shoes (including inserts) and 2 additional pairs of inserts.

If you qualify, your doctor or podiatrist (foot doctor) will tell you how to get your special shoes.

* Depth shoes look like athletic or walking shoes, but have more room in them. The extra room allows for different shaped feet and toes, or for special inserts made to fit your feet.

1. Take Care of the Diabetes
   
   • Work with your health care team to keep your blood sugar within a good range.
   
   Products that may help JAJA Stevioside™, Honey Stevia Leaf™ powder (both above are carbohydrate free, calorie free 100% natural), Glucose Balance™
   
2. Check Your Feet Every Day


• Look at your feet every day for cuts, blisters, red spots, and swelling.


• Use a mirror to check the bottoms of your feet or ask a family member for help if you have trouble seeing.


3. Wash Your Feet Every Day
   • Wash your feet in warm, not hot water every day.
   
   
   • Dry your feet well. Be sure to dry in between your toes.
   
   
4. Keep Your Skin Soft and Smooth


• Rub a thin coat of skin lotion over the tops and bottoms of your feet but not between your toes.

A product that may help you is our Pearl Powder. It is traditionally used in Chinese medicine for skin care.


5. Smooth Corns and Calluses Gently


• Use a pumice stone to smooth corns and calluses


6. Trim Your Toenails every week or when needed


• Trim your toenails straight across and file the edges with an emery board or nail file.


7. Wear Shoes And Socks At All Times


• Never walk barefoot


• Wear comfortable shoes that fit will and protect your feet


• Feel inside your shoes before putting them on each time to make sure the lining is smooth and there are no objects inside.


8. Protect Your Feet From Hot and Cold


• Wear shoes at the beach or on hot pavement


• Wear socks at night if your feet get cold


9. Keep The Blood Flowing To Your Feet


• Put your feet up when sitting


• Wiggle your toes and move your ankles up and down for 5 minutes 2 or 3 times every day.


• Do Not cross your legs for long periods of time


• Do Not Smoke
  A great program is available if you want to quit smoking
  http://smarter-health.com/_quit_smoking.shtml


10. Be More Active


• Plan your physical activity program with your doctor


11. Check With Your Doctor
    • Have your doctor check your bare feet and find out whether you are likely to have serious foot problems. Remember that you may not feel the pain of an injury.
    
    
    • Call your doctor immediately if you have a cut, sore, or blister that does not begin to heal after one day.
    
    
    • Follow your doctor's advice about foot care. Make sure your doctor is open minded, and seriously considers alternative medicine. A closed minded doctor is one who is rooted in the past and the techniques used are most likely out dated.
    
    
12. Get Started Now
    • Begin asking good care of your feet today
    
    
    • Set a time every day to check your feet
    
    
    • Complete the Checklist below this section and TAKE CARE OF YOUR FEET FOR A LIFETIME.