Diabetes is a condition in which the body doesn't produce enough insulin or doesn't use it properly. Insulin is a hormone that helps glucose enter cells to be used as energy. Without insulin, glucose builds up in the blood instead of being processed and used by cells. Diabetes can affect people of any age, race, gender or social class. It's estimated that 1% of Americans have diabetes. About 90% are type 2 diabetes, and 10% are type 1 diabetes. 

The disease can cause damage to blood vessels in the eyes, kidneys and legs, leading to blindness and kidney failure. In addition, damage to the nerves can lead to foot ulcers (open sores) that can become infected if not treated properly. Poor circulation also can slow healing and make these infections more serious. 

People with diabetes are at a greater risk of foot problems than the general public. For example, your feet may be dry and itchy or have cracked skin. This is because the nerves in your feet can't receive the brain's message to sweat and to stop itching. As a result, the skin can become dry, cracked and itchy, which makes it easy for germs to enter the body. Nerve damage can also cause changes to your feet, making previously comfortable shoes hard to walk in. 

Diabetic foot care is often neglected because of the many other complications that come with diabetes. Diabetic foot care needs to be taken seriously and treated quickly if you want to prevent infection, slow wound healing and help your foot recover from diabetic ulcers. Diabetic foot care is essential for people with diabetes to prevent infection and help to heal. Diabetic foot problems are common, especially among people who have peripheral neuropathy. The following are some of the most common diabetic foot conditions: 

• Diabetic foot ulcers 
• Peripheral neuropathy 
• Foot infections 

Foot care tips for Diabetic patients: 

If you have diabetes and dry skin on your feet that is preventing you from feeling comfortable at home or in public places, such as restaurants or malls, try these tips: 

Protect your feet from injury: 

Wear properly fitting shoes and socks that don't rub or cut the skin. You should also wear open-toe shoes whenever possible, as they protect against cuts and abrasions. Don't walk barefoot on rough surfaces like gravel or concrete; these surfaces can cause blisters or cuts in the feet when worn without protection. 

Keep a clean foot area at all times: 

Wipe your feet with antibacterial wipes before bedtime and after going to the bathroom or washing them (if necessary). Use a pumice stone or callus remover to remove any buildup of dead skin cells around your toes or heels (this will help prevent infection). Also, ensure there isn't any dirt buildup between your toes so that bacteria have no place to grow (use a pumice stone or callus remover for this job). 

Invest in good shoes: 

It may sound obvious, but shoes are essential to keep your feet healthy. The right kind of shoe will support your arches and prevent foot injuries from occurring (and also help prevent infections). If you're unsure what kind of shoe is best for you, ask a podiatrist for advice or visit our online store for recommendations based on your needs. 

Wear Socks: 

Wear socks that fit snugly around your foot when walking or standing for long periods of time. Keep them on even if they feel too tight at first because this will help keep moisture in the foot. 

Set a footcare regime: 

Use lotion and foot creams after you shower or bathe daily. This helps protect against chapping and cracked skin caused by dryness. Also, use foot powder before putting on socks after taking off your shoes at night to keep your feet from sticking together while sleeping. For diabetic foot care, you have to use special creams like Dr Foot's Diabetic Neuropathy Foot Cream, which contains Menthol, Tea Tree oil, Soybean oil, and Glycerin. Wash your feet with soap and lukewarm water. Dry your feet and apply the cream to the affected areas. This cream is formulated with two intensive ingredients, L-Arginine & Dimethicone, that improve blood circulation and provide instant relaxation and a layer of moisture. 

Go Easy with Low-Impact Exercise: 

Diabetic patients definitely benefit from a stable exercise routine. But what is the right kind of exercise? Mostly, exercise classes contain bouncing, jumping, and a lot of aerobic classes that cause extra pressure on your feet, especially if you have neuropathy. Instead, take programs that have swimming, walking, or cycling. 

Quit smoking: 

You're already at risk for poor blood flow, which can lead to nerve damage, kidney problems and other complications. But the danger of smoking runs from your head to your feet. The chemicals in cigarette smoke damage and constrict your blood vessels, which means that if you smoke, you're depriving your feet of the nutrient- and oxygen-rich blood that fights infection and keeps them healthy. Diabetic patients already have risk factors that compromise their blood vessels. So it's never too late to stop smoking.