National Diabetes Awareness Month is observed every November in the United States, focusing on raising awareness about diabetes, promoting prevention, and supporting people living with the condition. It highlights key health actions such as managing blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol, and encourages communities to participate in education and advocacy efforts. Diabetes affects about 38 million Americans, including adults and youth. The purpose is to bring national attention to diabetes, its risks, prevention strategies, and the importance of early management.
People living with diabetes can be at risk for nerve and foot problems, which is why good blood sugar management and foot care are important. Diabetes can cause nerve damage or neuropathy in the legs and feet. The result can be numbness, tingling, and pain. Loss of feeling in feet can cause cuts and sores from a pebble in your shoe or a blister on your foot to become infected.
If you’ve been diagnosed with diabetic neuropathy in your feet, your healthcare provider may prescribe medications to relieve nerve pain and encourage giving extra care and attention to your feet to keep them healthy. These are a few caring reminders:
- Get your feet checked at every health care visit. Also, visit your foot doctor every year (more often if you have nerve damage) for a complete exam, which will include checking for feeling and blood flow in your feet.
- Check your feet every day for cuts, redness, swelling, sores, blisters, corns, calluses, or any other change to the skin or nails. Use a mirror if you can’t see the bottom of your feet or ask a family member to help.
- Wash your feet every day in warm (not hot) water. Don’t soak your feet. Dry your feet completely and apply lotion to the top and bottom—but not between your toes, which could lead to infection.
- Keep the blood flowing. Put your feet up when you’re sitting and wiggle your toes for a few minutes throughout the day.
- Choose feet-friendly activities like walking, riding a bike, or swimming. Check with your doctor about which activities are best for you and any you should avoid.
Most people can prevent serious foot complications. Regular care at home and going to all doctor’s appointments are the best way to prevent foot problems.
Are you interested in learning more self-care routines to live healthy with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes? Register for the Alameda County Public Health – Nutrition Services, Healthy Living with Diabetes Zoom Class. This program is free and provides a workbook, giveaways, and measures your Hemoglobin A1c, Blood Pressure, and Weight at the first and last week of class. Register here or call 510-383-5185.
Adapted from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, May 2024.