The Ministry of Health urges people with diabetes to take care of their feet – Zacatecas State Government

The Ministry of Health urges diabetics to take care of their feet

• Because of the complications of this disease, such as a lack of sensitivity, it is necessary to spend a few minutes a day observing this part of the body.
• It is essential to keep them clean, dry and well protected

Zacatecas, Zack, July 17, 2023. – Disease prevention and its complications have been clear instructions since the beginning of Governor David Monreal Avila’s term; That is why the Ministry of Health (SSZ) works in diabetes care, in the UNEME (Medical Specialties Unit) for chronic diseases.

Delia López de Santiago and Araceli Campos Calzada, the specialized nurses attached to this unit, talk about the importance of taking care of the feet for diabetics, since according to statistics, seven out of 10 lower limb amputees are people with this condition.

They explained that one of the complications of diabetes is damage to the nervous system known as neuropathy, which results in a loss of sensation throughout the body, especially in the feet, so it is necessary for the patient to set a daily time to review you, and it is part of your habits if they lack the flexibility to do it themselves. It is recommended to ask a family member for help.

The purpose of daily reviews of your feet is to detect possible injuries or tears, as reduced sensitivity often goes unnoticed. In the same way, they should reduce the size of their nails only with files, never with nail clippers, which, being a metal tool, can cause injuries that later become complicated.

Shoes are another very important aspect to consider, as they should be wide and comfortable, preferably made of leather or natural materials and never wear open shoes to avoid scratches with things that may rub against them when walking or insect bites; In the case of women, the heel height should be no more than 3 cm.

It is recommended that patients remove their shoes several times a day to ensure that the socks are completely tight, as folds can cause calluses or blisters; It is also recommended to be smooth.

After bathing it is necessary to let the feet breathe so that they are sure to be dry and moistened with almond oil. If this careful observation is made daily, accompanied by the control of glucose levels, complications can be significantly prevented. Known as diabetic foot.

The UNEME for chronic diseases is located in the municipalities of Zacatecas, Ojocaliente and Fresnillo; There they receive patients who have been referred by the doctors attending all SSZ units.

In these units, an assessment of the handling of the feet is carried out, which consists, among other aspects, of testing with nylon monofilaments, tuning fork hammers and reflex hammers, to detect loss of sensitivity and for the person to enhance their care.

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