Diabetes Mellitus is systemic disease in which either your pancreas does not produce enough insulin or it produces sufficient insulin but the cells of your body are unable to use the insulin. There are two types of diabetes being Type I which is a hereditary condition often starting at an early age and Type II, or adult onset diabetes, whcih typically occurs in the obese.  

Foot Complaints are the leading cause of hospitalization of people with diabetes. It is estimated that 20% of all diabetics will develop a foot complaint at some time, which is why Diabetic feet need extra care and attention. As a Diabetic it is important to monitor your feet and ensure they are comfortable within correct fitting shoewear. Below are a few Do's and Don'ts to consider:

DO's

• Wear therapeutic footwear, slippers, insoles, orthotics and other diabetic footwear
• Inspect your feet daily for blisters, bleeding / lesions. Use a mirror to examine the bottom of your feet
• Wear footwear that fits well and protects your feet
• Wear conforming removable insoles in your footwear
• Wear seamless diabetes socks and stockings to keep moisture away from your feet
• Use diabetic foot creams (Flexitol Heel Balm)
• Wash your feet daily with warm, soapy water and dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes
• Trim your toenails carefully, straight across, and do not gouge into the corners.

Don'ts

• Don’t excessively soak your diabetic foot… especially in hot water
• Don’t use hot water bottles or heating pads on your feet
• Don’t use acids or chemical corn removers on diabetic feet
• Don’t perform "bathroom surgery" on corns, calluses or ingrown toenails
• Don’t smoke
• See your Chiropodist / Podiatrist on a regular basis
• More information can be obtained from The Society of Podiatrists and Chiropodists.

Our recommended Orthotics / Insoles, Arch supports and soft gel toe tubing / toe spreaders listed below are designed to provide the comfort that Diabetic feet require. 2foot2 also recommends the use of creams such as Flexitol Heel Balm (25% urea formula), which with regular use will give your skin the flexibility and softness that it requires.