Diabetics advised on foot examination to check infections

People living with diabetes have been advised to examine their feet regularly in order to prevent infections which usually lead to amputation.‎ An official of the Diabetes Association of Nigeria (DAN) Bauchi chapter, Mrs Frama Haruna Ali gave the advice while delivering a lecture titled "Foot care for diabetics" at the monthly enlightenment lecture organised […]

People living with diabetes have been advised to examine their feet regularly in order to prevent infections which usually lead to amputation.‎

An official of the Diabetes Association of Nigeria (DAN) Bauchi chapter, Mrs Frama Haruna Ali gave the advice while delivering a lecture titled "Foot care for diabetics" at the monthly enlightenment lecture organised by the association held at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH) Bauchi.

She lamented that foot infection is rampant among diabetics in Nigeria resulting to amputation of legs.

However, she said that frequent physical examination of the feet will reduce the menace saying that they should promptly report any noticeable changes on their feet to their physician and be treated on time.‎

Ali said that some of the measures diabetics can take to prevent feet infections include; avoiding walking without shoes even at home, avoiding getting injuries or wounds on their legs, regular replacement of socks and avoidance tight or torn socks that could hurt. 

“Diabetics should be checking their feet from ankles downward and between their toes to see if there are signs of infection so that they can rush to hospital for immediate treatment. They should also bring themselves to a doctor at least once yearly for physical foot examination. By so doing, the doctor can detect if there is a problem on their feet and be of help”, she counselled.

She also urged the members to always maintain normal sugar level, eat right foods and take medications according to prescriptions in order to properly manage the disease.