If you are diabetic, taking care of your feet is one of the important self-care tasks that you have to include in your daily routine.
A couple of complications linked to diabetes include poor circulation (resulting in poor blood flow to your feet) and nerve damage that may reduce the feeling in your feet. Without sensation in your feet, you are at risk of not noticing damage to the area – even the slightest skin crack or sore has serious implications if you are diabetic. In addition, with reduced blood flow, it is more difficult for the area to heal or resist infection.
Poor Circulation
If you are diabetic, your doctor should monitor the blood circulation in your feet. If high blood glucose levels are experienced over time, blood vessels can become damaged. This leads to plaque forming in the arteries and blood vessels making it difficult for them to transport sufficient amounts of blood to neighbouring cells.
Common symptoms of poor circulation include: cold, numb or tingling hands and feet; pain in the limbs; muscle cramps; dry/cracked skin on the feet; brittle toe nails; wounds or sores which heal slowly.
• Exercise regularly to improve your blood circulation and overall health. Do not put too much pressure on your feet – walking is ideal.
• Monitor your feet daily and see your doctor immediately if you notice any changes that concern you. Use a mirror or ask someone to help inspect your feet.
• Massage MYO2 into your feet daily. The combined effects of Arnica montana and Horse chestnut are ideally suited for the treatment of symptoms related to reduced circulation.
• Arnica is a well-known anti-inflammatory, alleviating the symptoms of muscle and ligamentous strains, sprains and bruises. Part of Arnica’s chemical make-up includes essential oils. Essential oils have proven to have an antiseptic effect against different pathogenic bacteria, even antibiotic-resistant strains. Some essential oils are also effective against the fungi and yeasts (Candida) that cause mycosis.
• Horse chestnut contains escin which decreases the permeability of blood vessels, producing an important anti-oedema effect. Horse chestnut also contains flavonoids. Flavonoids reduce capillary fragility and permeability, strengthening the walls of veins and arteries. Due to the effect of Horse chestnut on the capillaries, oxygen and nutrient transportation to the cells are enhanced and the removal of excess water and waste products from cells improves.
• Therefore, soothing MYO2 gel may be suitable for reducing inflammation, improving circulation, reducing certain low-grade topical skin infections and subsequently reducing pain and discomfort.
Diabetic Neuropathy
There is a direct relationship between high blood sugar levels and nerve cell damage. Approximately 60% of diabetics will have some form of neuropathy and will experience symptoms such as numbness, tingling, or pain in the arms, hands, legs and feet. Some will not experience any symptoms at all. There is no cure for neuropathy, but symptoms can be managed with some lifestyle changes.
Treatment will depend on your symptoms, but often includes:
• Regular medical check-ups with your doctor who may suggest medical treatment.
• Monitoring blood glucose levels and keeping them within a normal range.
• Pain medication if necessary.
• Daily inspection of your feet – consider visiting a podiatrist if necessary. Wear comfortable shoes to protect your feet.
If you suspect that you have a nerve problem, visit your doctor immediately. With some help, you will be able to control or possibly even reduce your symptoms.
