Ask Our Team
What's the deal with Diabetes and feet, my 5 year old was diagnosed 3 months ago, the Dr's didn't mention anything about shoes or feet, but on internet sites about diabetes it seems to be an issue, she hates wearing shoes, does she really need to wear them all the time, or can she go barefoot when at home?
Responses
Gary Scheiner says
I'm sure I'll get slammed by my colleagues for saying this, but you really don't have to worry about it. Yes, high blood sugar can increase the risk of infection and will slow healing, but as long as your child's blood sugar is reasonably well controlled, there should not be any foot problems. The reason people with diabetes develop foot problems is because of many years of neglectful care, which leads to neuropathy (loss of protective nerve sensation) as well as poor circulation in the feet, Minor injuries tend to become major ones, and the body is unable to heal itself correctly. Again, as long as you focus on controlling your child's blood sugar as well as can reasonably be expected for a five-year-old, they should be able to play barefoot and do all the other things a five year old likes to do.Gary is a Certified Diabetes Educator who has had diabetes for more than 25 years. He and his team of CDEs provide diabetes management "coaching" for children and their families via phone and the internet, with an emphasis on pump therapy, CGM, and intensive insulin management. For information, call 877-735-3648,
Laura Plunkett says
I can only answer this from our family's experience. Dan was diagnosed eightyears ago and his medical team suggested he never go barefoot again. They
warned that cuts and scrape might not heal and there was an increased risk
of infection. As parents, Brian and I didn't want to change Dan's life that
dramatically, especially because we spent our vacations camping and at the
beach, both traditionally barefoot times.
Over the years, Dan did get scrapes and cuts, including an accident in which
he needed stitches, but his feet always healed normally and he has never had
any difficulties. At each endocrinology appointment, Dan's doctor checks his
feet and they are in great shape.
I think the warnings are important for children who are experiencing
circulation problems.
