Essential Foot and Eye Care Tips for Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes can be debilitating not only in terms of symptoms like frequent urination and extreme thirst but also in terms of its long-term complications. A previous post highlights how diabetic complications can affect the health and functioning of essential body parts like the eyes and feet. Diabetic retinopathy can cause vision loss or blindness through the abnormal growth of blood vessels in the eye’s retina. Meanwhile, diabetic peripheral neuropathy involves nerve damage in the legs and feet, resulting in loss of sensation, chronic discomfort, and pain in these areas. Since developing such complications can diminish the overall quality of life and even lead to vision loss and in severe cases amputations, Patients with diabetes must pay attention to the complex link between neuropathy and retinopathy to better manage the disease risk. Additionally, they can integrate foot and eye care into their lifestyles for improved health and well-being.

How diabetic neuropathy and retinopathy are connected

Since diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) and retinopathy (DR) are the two most common severe complications of type 2 diabetes, a study published in the Indian Journal of Ophthalmology sought to explore the relationship between the two. Using diagnostic data from 500 patients, the study found a significant association between DPN and DR, with DPN being a risk factor for DR, alongside a long history of diabetes and specific serum creatinine levels. Furthermore, researchers found that neurodegenerative changes in the inner retinal layers of diabetic patients parallel those of neuropathy in the course of type 2 diabetes diagnosis. Such findings suggest common pathways for both complications, while also highlighting the need for holistic diabetes management through foot and eye care.

How diabetic patients can take better care of their feet and eyes

Consult medical professionals

Among the most straightforward ways to manage the risk of DPN and DR is to visit a health professional regularly. Even if you’re not experiencing redness, swelling, and pain in the legs, foot, or ankle, it is advisable to visit the podiatrist at least once every six months for continuous monitoring of potential nerve damage, poor blood circulation, or infections. 

Likewise, remember to schedule routine eye examinations, whether or not you’re experiencing common warning signs like blurred vision and eye pain. During the visit, an ophthalmologist can check the retina and ensure the blood vessels are healthy and functioning.

Use the right eyewear and footwear

When it comes to your daily lifestyle, use the right type of eyewear and footwear to avoid feeling pain, bumping into things, or injuring the eyes and feet. To start, the sun’s ultraviolet rays can contribute to or worsen light sensitivity in retinopathy, so make sure to wear sunglasses with broad-spectrum UV protection when outdoors. Eyewear brand Oakley has a wide range of UV- blocking lifestyle and sport sunglasses, available in lightweight frame styles like Frogskins and polarised lens options for optimal sun safety.

When choosing footwear, consider crucial factors like sole material, cushioning, and heel and arch support to protect against foot ulceration and other deformities. Aside from diabetes-friendly shoe brands like New Balance, researchers at the Indian Institute of Science have developed self- regulating footwear, which snaps back into position and distributes weight evenly to help those with neuropathy walk comfortably and with less pressure.

Manage stress levels

Stress isn’t purely psychological, as an article from Diabetes Australia notes that it can be a driver of diabetes and ultimately exacerbate symptoms and complications. For instance, chronic stress can elevate blood glucose levels, which raises the risk of nerve damage in affected body parts like the eyes and feet. So, managing your stress through effective techniques like exercise and meditation can make a difference in preventing or managing diabetic retinopathy and neuropathy.

By incorporating these tips into your diabetes management plan, you can better manage this complex, chronic condition and prevent further complications.