Safe Summer Tips for Diabetics

Summertime means fun in the sun, swimming at the pool and shore and family get-togethers. At Goldsmith Podiatry, we also know that this season can present special challenges for patients with diabetes. Below are some ways you can protect the health of your feet and ankles as you enjoy all that summer has to offer.

Get it Covered—one of the best ways you can avoid foot and ankle problems as a diabetic is to keep your feet covered.

Wearing shoes will help prevent several problems such as:

• Cuts and puncture wounds

• Burns from walking on hot pavement or sand

• Fungal Infections contracted by walking barefoot in areas like pool decks and beach changing areas and restrooms

Drink Up—if you have diabetes, you are probably careful about not wearing shoes that are tight or rub on any spot on the skin of your feet. When your feet and ankles swell, however, as they are apt to do on hot and humid days, that is the exact scenario that is created. Reduce the risk of swelling by drinking plenty of fluids and putting your feet up when you can throughout the day.

Stick with the Plan—the best way to prevent diabetic complications year-round is to control your diabetes by eating a healthy diet and following your doctor’s recommendations. Travel plans can get you off schedule. Cookouts and family reunions may tempt you to fill your plate with items that will blow your eating plan. Do your best to maintain a healthy lifestyle that keeps your sugar level where it should be.

Check it Out—be sure to look over your feet every day and check for signs of infection, rashes, redness, cuts or blisters and report anything you are concerned about to our podiatrists, Dr. Howard Goldsmith or Dr. Rosanna Troia. Don’t wait, contact our Upper West Side office as soon as possible by calling: 212-877-1002.