The importance of foot care for people with diabetes

How diabetes affects the skin of the feet

Diabetes poses specific challenges when it comes to foot health. Disrupted blood circulation and an increased risk of nerve damage (diabetic neuropathy) can make wounds less likely to be noticed, resulting in an increased risk of infections. The influence of diabetes on the skin of the feet can become visible in the following ways:

• Reduced blood supply can cause the skin to dry out more quickly, causing natural oils to not be produced sufficiently. This makes the skin susceptible to cracks or wounds, and the risk of infections increases.
• The combination of dry skin and less blood flow often leads to cracks and calluses. This makes the skin more vulnerable and can lead to infections more quickly in people with diabetes
• Diabetes often slows wound healing, meaning even small wounds require a lot of attention. This emphasizes the importance of daily monitoring and careful maintenance of the feet.

Tips for daily foot care for diabetes

Diabetic foot care requires an extra careful approach. Good voetverzorging is important for everyone, but for people with diabetes it is essential to pay attention to the feet daily to prevent problems. Below are some practical tips to keep your feet healthy:

• Check your feet daily. Check every day for wounds, blisters, redness or swelling. Even a minor injury can quickly develop into a bigger problem with diabetes.
• Wash your feet gently. Use lukewarm water and mild, hypoallergenic soap to cleanse the skin without drying it out. Dry your feet thoroughly, especially between the toes, to prevent moisture from remaining, which increases the risk of infections.
• Hydrate your skin. Diabetes can cause the skin to dry out more quickly. A mild, perfume-free cream will help keep the skin soft and supple, but avoid applying the cream between the toes as this can increase the risk of fungal infections.
• Cut nails with care. Keep your toenails straight and short to prevent ingrown nails. Be careful when cutting to avoid wounds.
• Wear well-fitting shoes. Choose shoes that support the foot and provide space to prevent friction. Avoiding pressure points is important to prevent blisters and wounds.

Hypoallergenic products for diabetic foot care

Hypoallergenic creams are often recommended for people with diabetes. These creams moisturize without irritating the skin and contain no fragrances or dyes, which reduces the risk of allergies. For this reason, Hypogeen is one of the brands recommended by pedicures and the Dutch Diabetes Association. Products from __BRAND_HYPOGEN__ are sold via living fully with diabetes.

• __BRAND_HYPOGENIC__ Calluses and Cracks Cream: This cream provides intensive hydration and helps soften the skin. Due to its soothing effect, the cream helps to reduce cracks and calluses, making the skin less likely to develop cracks and vulnerable spots. The cream is perfume-free, which is ideal for sensitive skin.
• __BRAND_HYPOGENIC__ Foot Bath Herbal Boost: This mild, hypoallergenic foot bath provides a refreshing boost for tired feet. It provides gentle, deep cleansing without drying out the skin and is safe for daily use.
• __BRAND_HYPOGENIC__ foot cream: Our hypoallergenic foot cream deeply hydrates, which is essential for feet that dry out more quickly due to diabetes. The cream helps keep the skin supple and hydrated, and is gentle enough for daily use.
• __BRAND_HYPOGENIC__ Foot and Leg Cream: This all-in-one cream moisturizes and protects both feet and legs. Ideal for diabetics who often suffer from dry skin, this cream provides long-lasting hydration and supports the skin barrier.

These hypoallergenic products have been specially developed for sensitive skin and do not contain any irritants such as fragrances or dyes. Regular use can contribute to healthier feet and help prevent common foot problems.

Foot care is a daily investment

Good foot care is an important daily habit for people with diabetes. By properly checking the feet, hydrating them and using the right products, you reduce the risk of problems and keep your feet healthy. With a few small adjustments to your daily routine, you can ensure that your feet are better able to withstand the challenges that diabetes brings. However, for people with diabetes it is important to regularly visit a specialist, such as a podiatrist or pedicurist. They can help identify any problems and provide advice on proper foot care.