Wear your socks inside out!

Feet are important to everyone, and for people with diabetes extra care needs to be taken to ensure that there is no risk of damage or infection as this can be much more difficult to treat and heal than in a non-diabetic person. Personally, I was advised to wear socks without seams in order to reduce the possibility of them rubbing and causing blisters. Recently on the forum, however, I read that a person had been advised to wear their socks inside out – presumably for the same reason!

I spoke to my doctor, he’s a wily old fox,
And he gave me advice about how to wear socks.
Now, perhaps you’d expect that there’s only one way,
But apparently not, as he went on to say:
Since you’re diabetic (there’s a tick in the box)
Then you have to beware of all life’s little knocks,
So look after your feet, for they’re what help you stand,
And roam far and wide through this wonderful land!
It’s true that there’s nothing that’s so far from your mind,
For they’re much lower down than your chest or behind,
But follow my guidance and you’ll need both your boots
For perambulation and leisure pursuits!
Keep your feet warm, well-protected and clean,
And come in to see me if they swell or turn green!
Most important of all - and of this there’s no doubt –
Always remember, wear your socks inside out!

Beware the hot water bottle!

I was quite surprised to learn after I had been diagnosed with diabetes that I should now avoid a number of seemingly harmless things, like hot water bottles, foot spas and socks with seams. The problem with these things is that, even with only mild neuropathy, your feet may not be able to detect whether they are being damaged either by heat or by a blister caused by a seam in the sock. Should a wound pass unnoticed and become infected, this could well be the first stage of problems that may, in the worst cases, lad to ulceration and possibly gangrene. Scary stuff indeed! Although I don’t have any neuropathy as far as I’m aware, having had my feet thoroughly checked over by a podiatrist, I have to check my feet each day so that I can be sure of catching any potential problem before it can go too far. Just another little reminder each day that I have diabetes, as if I’m ever likely to forget!


Beware the hot water bottle
That you use to warm up your toes!
For your nerves may not let you know it’s too hot,
And it might just be best if they froze!

Beware the humble foot spa
For it has hidden dangers you see!
You might boil your feet in the excessive heat,
So learn to live life foot spa free!

Beware of the socks that have seams!
They may rub your feet the wrong way,
If a blister’s neglected then it may get infected,
So go seamless with socks I would say!

These things that may once have seemed harmless,
Are things that you now must reject.
Look after your feet and protect them from heat,
And treat them with utmost respect!

The Podiatrist Who Tickled My Toes

Podiatry, or chiropody as it used to be called – not sure of the difference! – is an important aspect of diabetic care. The feet are particularly vulnerable to microvascular damage from elevated blood sugar levels, so it’s important to have them checked regularly by professionals. The treatment usually involves a variety of procedures: checking for visual signs of damage, checking the pulses to ensure a good blood supply, and checking for nerve damage by gently pricking the soles and toes to look for any lack of sensation.

My feet are very important to me, as a runner, so I make sure I never miss my appointments!




The podiatrist who tickled my toes
Didn’t do it because it was fun.
She did it because it was part of her job
To ensure that I keep every one!

The podiatrist who played with my feet
Didn’t do it to give me a thrill.
She did it to keep each appendage complete,
For I want to have TWO boots to fill!

The podiatrist who pressed on my foot
Didn’t do it to cause me alarm.
She did it to test that each pulse was correct,
In order to keep me from harm.

The podiatrist who said ‘Close your eyes’
Didn’t do it, whilst wielding a pin,
Intending to give me a birthday surprise,
But to say where the pin had gone in!

So I’m thankful to her for her skill,
And the attention she paid to my feet –
Let’s make it quite clear, for at least once a year,
The tickling of feet is a treat!