Diabetes and Toenail Fungus

Unfortunately, diabetes is one of those insidious conditions that for many, creeps up on us as we age or simply turns up out of the blue.

Based on ABS stats, diabetes affects around 5% of the Aussie population; that means there are possibly 1.5 million people suffering from this disease. We are led to believe that while data gives us some kind of a guide that there are also many people out there going undiagnosed.

With everything else people with diabetes have to deal with, foot care is a critical part of healthcare to avoid unnecessary infection and complications. Keeping feet happy and healthy also means keeping a close on the health of toenails. Fungal infection of the feet are common battles and particularly common with Diabetes. We see the emergence of toenail fungus beginning with discolouration of the nail leading to thickening and brittleness.

Toenails are very important to ensuring feet stay fit and healthy. Toenails grown for a reason and should never be ignored. As toenails begin to take on a different appearance, it’s time to take action before they really get out of control.

The routine for toenail protection and fungal prevention starts with a daily cleansing routine, current drying of feet, checking for any emerging issues and then applying appropriate treatment to feet before wearing shoes. 

Most importantly, treatment is not considered a quick fix. Any product touting a quick fix is not a good product. Treatment is a longer-term process 8 to 12 weeks and maybe longer if toenails are seriously damaged.

People with Diabetes are aware of the need to be vigilant of their health needs and taking time to pamper and check feet should be a daily routine.

A number of product’s are available for treating fungal nail infections. Check out natural options which allow both treatment of the feet and shoes. Do check  that there is scientific evidence that the active ingredients are effective against fungi.

If symptoms persist or worsen, speak to your healthcare provider immediately 

Healthy feet are happy feet