Autumn brings lots of tasty temptations like Halloween candy, Thanksgiving pumpkin pie and holiday cookies. It also marks National Diabetes Month in November, a good reminder for those with diabetes to watch what they eat and keep their blood sugar under control.

People with diabetes also need to check their feet on a daily basis. Small problems, if left untreated, can turn into big problems that require major medical interventions. To prevent this, it’s a good idea for diabetics to get regular checkups at our office.

If you have diabetes and feel leg pain at night, or after exercise or walking, that could indicate a blocked artery. Get medical attention right away.

To protect your feet, wear socks that aren’t tight or constricting. Always wear shoes or slippers, and shake them out before you put them on. People with diabetes may have nerve damage and may not be able to feel sharp objects, which could cut them. Because diabetes causes poor circulation, it reduces the body’s ability to heal from even a tiny cut.

You can also support a family member who has diabetes by encouraging them to do the following checks, or offering to help with them:

• Inspect diabetic feet daily for cuts, redness and drainage. Watch to see if toe nails have become deformed, discoloured or are not growing.
• Look for toes which appear pink, red or purplish, which may be a sign of poor circulation.
• Notice any corns or calluses caused by shoe friction, but don’t trim these due to the risk of injury or infection. Make an appointment with our office instead.

Make an appointment if you notice any signs of trouble, and, if you have diabetes, remember to keep a healthy eating plan in mind when you smell that pumpkin pie.