When I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes I wasn’t so worried about my eating a different way or giving myself injections. I was more worried about how to protect myself from getting cuts and scrapes on my feet. When you have diabetes, taking good care of your feet is important – especially when traveling. Poor foot care can lead to infections and serious problems.
I went to the American Diabetes website, www.diabetes.org, and found all I needed to know to protect myself and still enjoy my travels.
One tip is to keep your feet dry and never go bare foot, even at the beach. I know it is hard, and I have to admit, I am still trying to do the right thing, but a cut on your foot can put you in serious problems.
So, what should you pack?
- · Pack a first aid kit so you can treat cuts, blisters, or other foot sores right away to prevent infection.
- · Socks with padding will protect troublesome pressure points.
- · Choose shoes that will protect your feet from the outdoor condition
Make sure you examine the tops and bottoms of your feet each day. Look for any blisters, cuts, scratches, or other sores. Also check for redness, increased warmth, ingrown toenails, corns, and calluses.
I know it sounds like a lot and an inconvenience but it really isn’t very hard once you get used to it and in the long run, you will be thankful you won’t have the “Agony of De Feet!”
For more information on living and traveling with diabetes, visit www.diabetes.org.
If you are a traveler how happens to have diabetes, I would love to hear from you. We can compare notes!
Keep your EYE to the sky!
Bonnie DeShong
Co-host of The Traveling Eye!