Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes is a condition that makes it difficult for our bodies to process food and produce insulin, increasing the level of sugar we have in our blood. These changes to our blood make it difficult for blood to get to certain extremities, especially our feet.

Without the nutrients that blood supplies, you may experience pain, difficulty walking, or other sensations like numbness, burning, or tingling; this is often called “diabetic neuropathy.”. In the most serious cases, amputation may be required.

A diabetic foot is a serious complication of diabetes that can lead to infection, gangrene, and even amputation. It is caused by nerve damage (neuropathy) and poor blood circulation, both of which are common in people with diabetes

Symptoms of a diabetic foot can include:

Here are some tips for preventing diabetic foot problems:

Treatments

Professional Treatment

The American Diabetes Association recommends an annual foot exam with a foot specialist if you suffer from diabetes. Doctors who specialize in diabetic foot care can help you manage your diabetes and prevent foot pain from arising or escalating.

Your doctor may prescribe medications and special shoes and encourage a healthy diet and exercise, as well as examining your feet regularly to monitor progress. In this exam, the doctor may use special tools to check the sensitivity of your feet. The doctor may also order imaging tests to see the condition of your foot bones. Foot exams help detect foot problems early on when they are easier to treat.

Don’t hesitate to consult with your doctor if you notice anything unusual, such as a sore or other injury that won’t heal or that looks infected. You should also talk to your doctor if you need a growth, such as a corn or callus, removed. Your doctor may also be able to help with nerve pain associated with diabetes.

Self-treatment

You can take an active role in managing your diabetes and feet by following a few simple tips:
Diabetic shoes: First, wear diabetes-friendly shoes. Choose comfortable, close-toed shoes and slippers with sturdy soles that support and protect your feet. Resist the urge to go barefoot, even when walking around inside your house. Shoes can help relieve pressure on your feet and protect them from further injury.
Make sure that your diabetic shoes are roomy enough that you can wiggle your toes without rubbing or pinching, but not so big that your feet slip. Also, choose sense over style. Don’t wear plastic shoes, flip-flops, high heels, or pointy-toed shoes. When appropriate, wear good, thick, clean socks to prevent blisters.
 
Foot care: Because you might not have normal sensations or feelings you should examine your feet daily. Keep your feet clean and soft by examining them every day and applying ointments as needed. Daily foot care is the best way to prevent problems — or to catch problems early before they become serious. Wash your feet each day using warm water, drying them carefully afterward. When washing your feet, stick to water or gentle cleansers, don’t use any harsh chemicals.
Keep an eye on any cuts, scratches, blisters, calluses, or corns, and if you see any have your doctor take a look. Use unscented lotion or Vaseline to keep your feet soft and smooth. However, do not put lotion 

Anaemia During pregnancy

Anaemia is a common condition during pregnancy, affecting around 50% of pregnant women worldwide. It occurs when your body doesn't have enough red blood cells or enough haemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout your body and to your baby. This can lead to various complications for both you and your baby.

Causes of anaemia in pregnancy:

Iron deficiency: This is the most common cause, as your body needs more iron during pregnancy to support the increased blood volume and supply oxygen to your growing baby. Not getting enough iron in your diet or having difficulty absorbing it can lead to iron deficiency anaemia.

Folate deficiency: Folate (vitamin B9) is another essential nutrient for red blood cell production. A lack of folate can contribute to anaemia during pregnancy.

Vitamin B12 deficiency: Vitamin B12 is also needed for red blood cell production. Deficiency can occur due to dietary restrictions (strict vegetarian or vegan diets) or certain medical conditions.

Other causes: Less common causes include chronic diseases like kidney disease, sickle cell anaemia, or thalassemia, and infections like malaria or HIV.

Symptoms of anaemia in pregnancy:

Management of anaemia in prhttps://www.vitalhealthcare.site/egnancy:

Management will depend on the cause and severity of your anaemia. Here are some common approaches:

Diet: Focus on eating iron-rich foods like red meat, poultry, fish, dark leafy greens, beans, lentils, nuts, and seeds. Include foods rich in vitamin C, which helps with iron absorption, like citrus fruits, tomatoes, and bell peppers.

Iron supplements: Most pregnant women are advised to take a prenatal vitamin that includes iron, usually 30-60 mg daily. Your doctor may prescribe a higher dose if you have iron deficiency anaemia.

Folate supplements: Most prenatal vitamins also include folic acid, but your doctor may recommend an additional 400 mcg daily, especially if you have a history of folate deficiency.

Vitamin B12 supplements: If you have a vitamin B12 deficiency, you may need injections or sublingual tablets.

Treatment of underlying conditions: If your anaemia is caused by an underlying medical condition, treating that condition is essential to resolve the anaemia.

Preventing anaemia in pregnancy:

·       Start taking a prenatal vitamin with iron and folic acid before you become pregnant.

·       Eat a healthy diet rich in iron, vitamin C, and folate.

·       Get regular blood tests to monitor your iron levels.

·       If you have any risk factors for anaemia, talk to your doctor about preventive measures.

Complications of untreated anaemia in pregnancy: