Nerve and blood vessel damage caused by diabetes may take a toll on feet. The damage prevents people from feeling injuries, and poor blood flow can keep an injury from healing. They should not walk barefoot, and should wear shoes that fit well and socks without seams or mended areas. They should make sure there aren t objects in their shoes that can rub on their feet. It s a good idea to have a physician check their feet at least once a year, and for them to check their feet daily for injuries.
Diabetes can also damage kidneys.
Kidneys filter waste from the blood, but diabetes can cause the kidneys to lose their ability to filter properly. Protein that the body needs is lost in the urine, and waste that the body doesn t need builds up in the blood. Anyone with diabetes should have a urine analysis annually. Diabetics should never underestimate the importance of healthy eating. And, the food that is good for diabetics is good for the whole family.