Happy Feet when you are a Diabetic

Treating your feet right this summer can ease a lot of discomfort. Sunny skies and beautiful days at the beach always tempts you to enjoy the white sand under your feet. We often wonder how much harm can be done if we swim without precaution? Is walking on the beach or swimming barefoot really bad for us? Let’s see what these tips tell us about skin-care.

Can I skip shoes on the beach? Well, it depends. If you are a person that does not have complications with your feet, then you can generally spend the day walking barefoot on the beach, but you may want to check with your health care provider before you go to the beach. Remember, in the sand there are rocks, shells and other sharp objects that usually hide in the sand. If you have a sense of loss in your feet (neuropathy – nerve damage) covering your feet is critical because you can walk on an object and not realize that you cut or bruised your feet. Hurting your feet can cause infection and exposure to bacteria that can result in the loss of a toe or foot. When you are going outside or to the beach, slip on a pair of sneakers, sandals or your favorite footwear that is secure and enclosed on your feet so that you will have the support that you need to keep you from injuring your feet.

What precautions should I take when swimming? Before you get into the water, check your feet for cracks, cuts, blisters or other wounds. If you have any of these, please stay out of the water because pools, lakes, rivers and oceans harbor dangerous bacteria that can cause a foot infection.

How often should I do a foot check? At least once a year, unless you spot a change in color or condition of the skin on your feet. You can check your feet daily to make sure you don’t have any cuts or bruises on your feet before your annual visit to your podiatrist.

Can my feet get sunburned? Yes, absolutely! If you have type 2 diabetes and you are taking sulfonylureas or certain blood pressure meds, you have a higher risk of getting sunburned. The easiest way to show your feet some love this summer is to put sunscreen on anytime you are outdoors or wearing sandals. Making sure that you are covered, apply sunscreen 30 minutes before you go outside and reapply every two hours if you are sweating or swimming. Wearing sunscreen on cloudy days is also important because you can still get sunburned.

What can I do about dry, cracked, or scaly heels? Apply a cream that is specially formulated to moisturize the skin, mainly after bathing, when your feet are clean and dry. No special moisturizer is required, any moisturizer will work. Never rub lotion or moisturizer between your toes, because these area usually stay warm and moist. Putting lotion or moisturizer in these areas can cause fungus.

Ok, if you have taken all the precautions stated earlier, the only last thing to do is HAVE FUN!

Living Well Nutrition Blog

7 self-care strategies for managing diabetes

Healthy Eating – This does not only include keeping your water bottle handy to make sure you stay hydrated in the hot summer months, but also eating such foods as tomatoes, cucumbers, celery and berries that are loaded with water.

Problem-solving – For humid, hot days use a skin prep for your infusion to stay in place such as Mastisol.

Taking medication – Using your smartphone can help you remember when it’s time for your meds. You can also set alarms if you take meds at different times of the day.

Healthy coping – Surrounding yourself with nature can help to put some life stresses in perspective. Take a long walk outdoors to calm your mind and release stress.

Reducing risk – If you like getting pedicures, ask your health care provider first to make sure it is okay for you to do so. If it is okay, find a reputable salon and always ask about sterilization procedures.

Being active – Summer is the best time to break the rut of being active. Plan a bike ride, take swimming lessons, go hiking or join a softball or volleyball team.

Monitoring – Always keep a record of your daily blood glucose reading levels and review them weekly. Take your reading to your health care provider on your next visit.

Healthy Recipe

Moroccan Avocado Smoothie

Ingredients:

1 ripe avocado, pitted and peeled

1 overripe banana

1 cup unsweetened almond milk or orange juice

1 cup ice

Instructions:

1. Place the avocado, banana, milk, and ice into a blender. Blend until there are no pieces of avocado remaining and the mixture is smooth and frothy. Divide into chilled glasses and enjoy.

Nutrition Facts:

Calories: 100

Total Fat: 6g (Sat. Fat 0.8g)

Total Carbohydrate: 11 grams (Fiber 3g, Sugars 4g)

Protein: 1g

Phosphorus: 30 milligrams

Cholesterol: 0 milligrams

Sodium: 35 milligrams

Potassium 300 milligrams

Choices: Fruit 1, Fat 1

Nutrition News Food for Thought

What you need to know about a just-released nutrition report:

There is no “diabetes diet.” You are encouraged to focus on your health care provider orders, medical nutrition therapy, registered dietitian or registered dietitian nutritionist as needed to keep you on track. Nutrition education does help diabetics achieve blood glucose and weight management goals.

You have choices – lots! Several eating patterns can help you manage your diabetes such as Mediterranean-style, vegetarian or vegan. Focus on the following tips no matter what eating pattern you choose:

…. Eat non-starchy vegetables

…. Minimize added sugars and refined grains

…. Choose whole foods over highly processed foods as much as possible

Macronutrients may vary. Remember there is no perfect percentage of calories from macronutrients (carbohydrate, protein and fat) for people at risk with diabetes. The quality and quantity of good is the key.

Carbs are not one-size-fits-all. People eating low-carbohydrate does benefit people with diabetes and prediabetes.

Weight loss works. This usually includes dietary changes, physical activity, medications, and surgery. In people with type 2 diabetes, a 5 percent weight loss makes a difference.

Tweaking your food choices can help reduce risk factors for complications. Food swaps can also help people with diabetes reduce the risk or slow the progression of cardiovascular disease and diabetic kidney disease. Example: replace foods high in saturated fat (butter and beef) with foods rich in unsaturated fats (olive oil and fatty fish). This swap reduces total cholesterol and LDL (bad) cholesterol and reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Faithful Families Connecting Faith and Health

Would you like to learn more about how you and your family can Eat Smart and Move More? Faithful Families Thriving Communities classes are coming soon! These classes will help you to:

…. Learn how to plan, shop for, and prepare healthy meals for your family.

…. Discover delicious, healthy, family-friendly recipes.

…. Explore simple ways to be physically active during the day and in your faith community.

…. Talk about the connections between food, physical activity and faith.

To learn more, contact:

Cynthia Clifton

Nutrition Agent

LSU AgCenter – St. John Parish

985-497-3261

cclifton@agcenter.lsu.edu