Every diabetic knows that it takes a lot to manage their condition. If you have diabetes, understand that when you are traveling, extra time is required for planning to keep diabetes under control during your trip. Any changes in your eating habits, physical activities, and the change in time zones can all have an effect on diabetic symptoms. In addition, it is important to take preventative measures on commonly affected areas such as the feet by wearing diabetic socks and shoes.
As a diabetic, the first thing that you need to ask yourself before your travel is do you have problems walking for long periods of time. Most vacations require a great deal of walking either sightseeing or walking through a park or on a beach. If you are dealing with diabetes, you know that foot complications can be a big issue. Even if they aren’t serious, foot problems can still be an annoyance.
One common issue is nerve damage on the feet. If your blood sugar is elevated for a significant period of time, it can cause damage which can impair sensation. This puts you at risk of not realizing that there are cuts or injuries on your feet. Another problem is poor circulation. If there is reduced blood flow due to narrowed blood vessels, it can be difficult for injuries on your feet to heal. Since there is very little blood flowing through to your feet, the wounds will take longer to heal and also be susceptible to infections.
Wear Suitable Footwear
When traveling, pay close attention to your shoes. Avoid wearing shoes that rub against the feet or shoes that don’t fit right. These shoes can result in blisters, which can turn into ulcers and then become infected. Diabetic shoes is a good solution. These are custom made shoes that have deep cushion to protect the feet. Besides good shoes, make sure that your feet are comfortable by wearing diabetic socks. You can find them here. Diabetic socks have extra padding on the bottom to protect your feet, low profile seams to minimize irritation, and wide tops to increase blood flow to the legs. They also have breathable material to keep your feet from developing excess sweat. Most importantly, socks for diabetics fit well.
Visit Your Podiatrist
Before leaving on a trip, make an appointment with a podiatrist and have your feet checked. A podiatrist can make custom orthotics to fit into your shoes if you have nerve pain or nerve damage. If you have bunions, hammertoe, or corns, the podiatrist can make your shoes are more comfortable.
Don’t Walk Barefoot
If you are vacationing in an area that has a beach or a pool, it may be tempting to go barefoot, but don’t do it. The numbness in your feet will make it easy to step on something without realizing it, which can result in a cut that can become infected. It is best to wear shoes and diabetic socks.
Wash and Check Your Feet Every Day
While you are on vacation, you cannot neglect your feet. Washing them every day is still an important step in lowering the risk of infection. When you are washing your feet, be sure to examine them thoroughly to check for redness, swelling, blisters, cuts, and sores. Also make sure to bring nail clippers and a file to prevent ingrown toenails.
Control Your Blood Sugar
A big part of controlling diabetes is maintaining a healthy diet. This is something that all diabetics need to do to control their blood sugar levels and prevent further nerve damage to the feet. Always try to eat low glycemic foods that do not spike your glucose levels.
When traveling with diabetes, your feet are important to get around and see all of the sights. While it is normal to take care of your feet at home, don’t forget to do it while you are away. When the feet are maintained properly through a healthy diet, proper hygiene, and wearing diabetic socks and shoes, the chances of diabetes slowing you down is greatly diminished. Rest assured that you will be healthy when you return home.
