Though Diabetes is a common chronic disease that plagues the elderly, it can often be easily managed by controlling our diet and small lifestyle changes. Here’s a lowdown on how to keep diabetes under control and diabetic foot care.
Foot care is an essential aspect of managing diabetes, as poor blood circulation and nerve damage can lead to serious foot problems for people with diabetes.
Regular foot inspection is crucial to detect any change or problem early on. Proper foot hygiene can help stem the severity of this problem.
There are different stages of diabetic foot. There are different ways to check if one has diabetic foot.
Some basic symptoms are:

Stage 1: clean foot with calluses, corn, darkened skin, hardened skin or if the foot is dry

Stage 2: superficial ulcers

Stage 3: deeper ulcers

Stage 4: extensive skin damage

Stage 5: Necrosis and partial gangrene of the foot

Stage 6: complete gangrene

On reaching stage 6 surgical management is required so that the foot is taken care of through debridement (removal of the dead tissues) or definitive reconstruction.
Dr Rajan Tondon of Belle Vue stated, “When it comes to footwear, it is important to choose footwear that fit properly and provide adequate support and cushioning. Shoes that are too light can cause foot problems, while shoes that are too loose can increase the risk of falls and other injuries. People with diabetes should avoid walking barefoot, even inside their homes, as this increases the risk of cuts, blisters, ulcers and other foot injuries. Those with Diabetic foot ulcer should take medical advice that can help in getting appropriate footwear to reduce plantar (relating to the sole of the foot) pressure.”
Regarding the right kind of footwear, Dr Tondon adds, “Wear rubber sole footwear and use silicone gel heel pads in your footwear, which can help to avoid corns and cracks. Good walking shoes is a must for proper foot care.”
When asked about how to control diabetes, Dr. Tondon mentioned that it is possible through regular exercise, eating healthy, sleeping well, and most importantly staying happy.
He advised, “Have less sugary fruits and fried or fatty foods. Go for less pulpy and sweet fruits like banana, mango, chikkoo and custard apple. Regulate everything you eat by eating sensibly. Try exercising regularly for half an hour and be active.” “I know of people who have got off medication simply by managing their diet and lifestyle. Everything should be balanced – your thoughts, actions, lifestyle and behaviour. Taking balanced food is also part of our behaviour. I tell my patients to have everything but moderately.”
In conclusion, diabetic foot care is essential to avoid serious foot problems. By taking care of your feet, you can reduce the risk of complications and improve your overall health and well-being. Regular foot inspections, proper foot hygiene, and the selection of appropriate footwear are all key to good diabetic foot care.

Ms D. Mitra had gone to meet her daughter at Johannesburg, South Africa. She shares her experience of the beautiful surrounding, the fascinating scenario of the Great Escarpment and her son-in-law’s friend’s thrilling escape from the natives of Drakensberg.
When I went to Johannesburg, I came to know that it was a place mainly known for its gold mines and as the birth place of Nelson Mandela. It has a mixed culture, with both the white and the coloured people staying there.
A strange thing came to my notice, hardly anyone was found walking on the streets. Either they drove or availed public conveyance which were easily available, like the bus, metro, etc. Unlike other European countries no one was seen taking a stroll or walking down the roads. The main attraction there was the Mandela House which has been transformed into a museum and the Apartheid Museum which significantly describes the history, the struggle and the independence of South Africa. Apart from these the wildlife reserve and the animal safaris are fabulous. I had a great time visiting those with my granddaughter.
I also visited Cape town, a coastal city with stunning natural landscapes, harbors and beaches. The waterfront is amazing and so are the National Botanical Gardens. The boulder beach is exceptional and the nature serene. One can spend days and hours over there especially with family.
Another place of visit and a mountainous terrain was Drakensberg. The inhabitants of that region are mostly tribal people.
Once my son-in-law’s friend was going by car to play cricket at a distant place. The 6 lane roads there are perfect for a drive. While waiting at the signal, suddenly a person sprang up from nowhere and demanded money. He had a pistol in his hand aimed at my son-in-law’s friend. Just as the pistol was shot, the signal had turned green and the car moved ahead. Luckily the bullet whizzed past my son-in-law’s friend, and went through the glass pane, smashing it. It was a near getaway. I was horrified hearing this account.
Later I came to know that the tribes were very poor and attacked people on the highway, to make money. When travelers stopped at the traffic signals they were robbed. Mostly the Asians were targets as they carried cash and wore jewelry.
Though I heard this encounter, I had a fantastic time visiting the different places of South Africa. They were simply wonderful and have created memories to cherish for a lifetime.