Why can't diabetics cut toenails?

That's because diabetes often causes poor circulation that leads to numbness in the feet. Numbness makes it less likely that you'll notice cuts, scrapes, and blisters on your feet, and poor circulation means those wounds are less likely to heal properly.

Can I cut my toenails if I have diabetes?

Myth: People with diabetes can't cut their own toenails

Not true: the general advice on toenail cutting applies to everyone. If you have diabetes you should keep your nails healthy by cutting them to the shape of the end of your toes. Don't cut them straight across, curved down the sides, or too short.

Why can't diabetics trim toenails?

Diabetes are more prone to infection, and fungi and bacteria can transfer from clipping or foot care tools to any open wounds.

How should diabetics trim their toenails?

Cut toenails after bathing, when they are soft. Trim them straight across, then smooth with a nail file. Avoid cutting into the corners of toes. Don't let the corners of your toenails grow into the skin.

Is it OK for a diabetic to get a pedicure?

In general, it's safe to get manicures or pedicures at a spa or nail salon if you have diabetes that's well-controlled, says Fred Williams, MD.

Diabetic Foot Care

Why shouldn't diabetics soak their feet?

Do not soak feet, or you'll risk infection if the skin begins to break down. And if you have nerve damage, take care with water temperature. You risk burning your skin if you can't feel that the water is too hot.

What do diabetic fingernails look like?

In some people with diabetes, the nails take on a yellowish hue. Often this coloring has to do with the breakdown of sugar and its effect on the collagen in nails. This kind of yellowing isn't harmful. It doesn't need to be treated.

What are 3 things you should never do to the feet of someone with diabetes?

Avoid soaking your feet, as this can lead to dry skin. Dry your feet gently, especially between the toes. Moisturize your feet and ankles with lotion or petroleum jelly. Do not put oils or creams between your toes — the extra moisture can lead to infection.

What are signs of diabetic feet?

Should diabetics wear socks to bed?

Consider socks made specifically for patients living with diabetes. These socks have extra cushioning, do not have elastic tops, are higher than the ankle and are made from fibers that wick moisture away from the skin. Wear socks to bed. If your feet get cold at night, wear socks.

Why is my big toenail so thick?

Toenails that grow thicker over time likely indicate a fungal infection, also known as onychomycosis. Left untreated, thick toenails can become painful. Prompt treatment can be key to curing the nail fungus. Fungal infections might be difficult to cure and may require months of treatment.

How do you cut old people's toenails thick?

What causes yellow thick toenails?

Thick yellow toenails are usually caused by a fungal infection called onychomycosis. This can be irritating or painful. It's less common, but the infection can affect your fingernails as well. Thick yellow toenails can be prevented by taking certain precautions.

Are bananas OK for diabetics?

Fruits like bananas are healthy foods that contain fiber, vitamins, and minerals. You can include bananas in your diet even if you have diabetes.

What do podiatrists use to cut thick toenails?

Heavy duty podiatry-grade toenail clippers: We recommend ClipPro nail clippers for our patients. The ClipPro Toenail Clipper is the best consumer nail clipper we have found for extra thick and irregular nails. Its jaw opens up to over 1″ wide and the top of blades is slightly curved to contour around your nails.

What does diabetes do to your eyes?

Diabetic retinopathy is caused when high blood sugar damages blood vessels in the retina (a light-sensitive layer of cells in the back of the eye). Damaged blood vessels can swell and leak, causing blurry vision or stopping blood flow.

What do diabetic legs look like?

High blood sugar from diabetes damages small blood vessels and causes these brownish patches. These roundish, rough spots often appear on your shins. Dermopathy is usually harmless and should fade away in 18 months or so. But it also can last a long time.

What kind of food should diabetics avoid?

How often should diabetics wash their feet?

Wash your feet every day in warm (not hot) water. Don't soak your feet. Dry your feet completely and apply lotion to the top and bottom—but not between your toes, which could lead to infection. Never go barefoot.

Can you live a normal life expectancy with diabetes?

Patients with Type 1 DM and with Type 2 DM are expected to have an average life of 70.96 and 75.19 years at the end of observed period. The combined diabetic life expectancy is 74.64 years—comparable to the life expectancy in the general population.

Why do diabetics feet turn black?

Diabetes. Diabetes can affect your feet in two important ways: loss of healthy nerve function and a reduction in healthy circulation. If your circulation is affected by diabetes, you could notice discoloration of your toes and feet. The skin on your feet could turn blue, purple, or gray.

What is the white stuff under my toenails?

Nail fungus is a common condition that begins as a white or yellow spot under the tip of your fingernail or toenail. As the fungal infection goes deeper, nail fungus may cause your nail to discolor, thicken and crumble at the edge. It can affect several nails.

Can metformin affect your nails?

After 3 months of discontinuation of metformin there was a significant improvement in the nails. Clinicians should be aware of metformin induced yellow discolouration of nails, though a curable and reversible condition if diagnosed well in time.

Does diabetes affect your toes?

Although rare, nerve damage from diabetes can lead to changes in the shape of your feet, such as Charcot's foot. Charcot's foot may start with redness, warmth, and swelling. Later, bones in your feet and toes can shift or break, which can cause your feet to have an odd shape, such as a “rocker bottom.”

Why can't diabetics have grapefruit?

This, in turn, caused the increase in lactic acid production. Because of this, the researchers suggested that drinking grapefruit juice may lead to an increased risk of lactic acidosis in people taking metformin. However, these results were observed in nondiabetic rats, not in humans with type 2 diabetes.