April is Defeat Diabetes Month; Tips on how to “De-Feet” Diabetes
Helping “De-Feet” Diabetes ... April is Defeat Diabetes Month. Dr. Kristina Thompson, Podiatrist at Veterans Memorial Hospital can offer help to “De-Feet” Diabetes. Submitted photo.
by Dr. Kristina Thompson, Podiatrist
Dr. Kristina Thompson, Podiatrist, provides specialty foot care at Veterans Memorial Hospital. She recommends the following for “de-feeting” diabetes!
• Avoid soaking feet, this causes excessive dryness and can lead to cracks.
• Check feet daily for any new blisters, wounds, etc.
• Avoid going barefoot, especially if you have neuropathy/diabetic nerve damage.
• Ask your provider about diabetic shoes!
• Work with your providers and/or diabetes educator to keep your glucose within target range. This decreases risk of complications.
• If you notice a blister or wound, don’t delay treatment. Get in with a provider with a knowledge on wound care.
• Exercise if you are able. This increases blood flow circulation.
• Don’t remove calluses or corns yourself, see your doctor!
• If you are able to trim your own toenails, trim straight across. If you are unable to trim your own toenails, see a podiatrist for treatment.
In addition to being a podiatrist, Dr. Thompson is also a wound care specialist and diabetes educator. For more information or to make an appointment with Dr. Thompson, call Veterans Memorial Hospital at 563-568-3411.
