Why is Dubai Health Authority telling diabetics to look after their feet?

This November, as we mark Diabetes Awareness Month in the UAE, Dubai Health Authority (DHA) calls for information dissemination. This is in line with the theme of this year - "Know More, Do More, Protect Your Vision."

According to the International Diabetes Federation, there’s a 20.7 per cent prevalence of diabetes in adults in the UAE.

DHA, in a tweet, talks about what diabetes is and how a person who has the condition can curb the fallout.

Here’s what it says:

Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. (Insulin is the hormone responsible for regulating the level or glucose, or sugar, in the blood.

Type 1 diabetes: This is characterised by insufficient insulin production and requires insulin injections to maintain normal blood sugar levels.

Type 2 diabetes: This affects the body’s ability to use sugar (glucose) for energy, and is often associated with factors such as being overweight or physically inactive.

Gestational diabetes: This is a temporary increase in blood sugar levels during pregnancy, where glucose levels are higher than normal but lower than those seen in diabetes.

One of the major issues a person with diabetes faces has to do with feet. Because of nerve damage and poor circulation, there’s a loss of sensation and cuts and sores become tougher to treat.

DHA calls for vigilance and these tips for the ultimate foot care:

1.Check your feet daily (for cuts, bruises, discoloration)

2. Wash your feet with warm water and dry them well, especially between the toes.

3. Avoid walking barefoot

4. Wear shoes that fit your feet comfortably

5. Trim your toe nails straight across to prevent injuries

6. Do not remove corns or calluses by yourself

7. Have your feet examined regularly during medical visits

8. Maintain good blood flow to your feet through light physical activity

9. Choose activities that are gentle on your feet.

“Take a moment to learn about how to protect your health — knowledge empowers you to take small steps that make a big impact in your life and in the lives of those around you,” adds DHA on X.