Summer is just around the corner. Many of you have been cooped up in your home for the long winter. You and your body long to get out in the sunshine and enjoy the great outdoors. I do not blame you, and you should do just that.

For diabetics, especially those who do not have their blood sugar under control, this is also a time for caution. Body extremities, especially the feet, need extra care and observation. In diabetics, circulation to the feet is often impaired. This situation is worse in long term diabetes and in those who do not have their blood sugar under control. Also, the nerves in this area are not always firing efficiently (diabetic neuropathy).

The result of this is two-fold. First, since the nerves are not completely functional, the sensation or feeling in the feet can range from dull to no feeling. So, sometimes small injuries go unnoticed. Second, impaired circulation makes it difficult for small injuries to heal once they happen. With these two complications the once small injury, can become a larger wound without the person noticing. Infection could set in. and in the worst case scenario, gangrene could develop. My diabetic friends, I am not saying, don't go outdoors and enjoy yourself. Indeed, do go out and enjoy. It is god for you physically and mentally.

But, do take care of your feet! Check you feet on a daily basis. There are many things to look for. These include any cuts, scrapes, bruises, splinters, stubbed toes, blisters, corns, callouses, ingrown toenails, sunburn, and who knows hat else you could do to those marvelous feet. Check your feet daily. Cleanse your feet daily. If you notice any injury, no matter how small,treat it immediately. And if it worsens, go to your health care professional to get it cared for. Enjoy your summer. Wear well-fitting, comfortable footwear. Shoes that do not fit properly can cause blisters or scrapes. in fact, depending upon upon the degree this disease has affected you, you may want to be fitted for those special shoes. The orthopedic shoes of today are not the orthopedic shoes of yesteryear. Today, they make smart looking, stylish footwear for walking, running, jogging, hiking, the treadmill, and everyday wear.

In addition, you need to take proper care of your toenails. If you are having problems with this, get a pedicure or see a podiatrist.

According to the American Diabetes Association, about 15% of known diabetics will develop a foot ulcer in their lifetime. If not healed, this could lead to gangrene and possible amputation. There are nutritional supplements which can aid in circulation. You can take vitamin E, Vitamin C, coenzymeQ10, alpha-lipoic acid, niacin and others. But, do not do this in lieu of prescription medications. Check with your health care provider before starting a new nutrition regimen. Keep on moving. Enjoy the great outdoors.laugh and play. But, do not forget to inspect and clean those wonderful feet that carry you everywhere.

By John H Markus

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