Dos and Don'ts for diabetics

Dos

Inspect your feet daily for blisters, cuts, and scratches. Always check between your toes.

Wash your feet daily. Dry carefully.

Avoid extreme temperatures. Test water with your hands or elbow before bathing.

Inspect the insides of your shoes for foreign objects, and rough edges.

For dry feet, use a very thin coat of lubricating oil such as baby oil. Apply this after bathing and drying feet.

Shoes should be fitted by a foot care specialist and be comfortable at the time of purchase.

See your physician regularly, and be sure to have your feet examined each visit.

Don'ts

Do not smoke. Do not soak your feet in hot water.

Do not walk on hot surfaces such as sandy beaches or on the cement around swimming pools.

Do not walk barefooted.

Do not use chemical agents for the removal of corns.

Do not wear mended socks, and avoid stockings with seams.

Do not wear sandles with thongs between the toes.

Do not cut on corns or calluses; see your physician.

Do not cross your legs.