typical diabetic feet??!!

howie

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181
went to the db nurse, mainly cos i wanted a new BG meter (accu check compact gt) and was pretty annoyed when she handed me one in a opened box, but i also had my feet checked out. she said they were fine and all, no sensation loss etc. but that i had 'typical diabetic feet'; pale, hairless and cold.

i was pretty annoyed, i've only been db for 3 monts and had strict control. i said my feet have always been pale, they're fair skinned like the rest of my body + it was cold this morning and on inspection i do actually have hairy feet!

anyone think there could be any truth to this? + i'm a bit hesitant about using my pricker since it's not brand new.

howie
 

hanadr

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1) put a fresh lancet into your stabber. There should be spares in the pack.
2) I don't know anything about typical diabetic feet. Mine are plumpand a funny shape, with short "first metatarsel", although admittedly hairless, and always cold. like the rest of me.
Hana
 

Shazza

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My Son has always had problems with sore feet, he,s had verrucas and his feet are always cold and pale altho he,s always pale. Since being told he had diabetes a few weeks ago about 6 verrucas have appeared on his feet we are waiting to see a podiatrist.
 

timo2

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Don't worry, Howie, even diabetic specialist nurses have the right to talk utter b******s now and then. Three months of tight control won't give you 'typical diabetic feet'.
 

phoenix

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i said my feet have always been pale, they're fair skinned like the rest of my body + it was cold this morning and on inspection i do actually have hairy feet

Poor circulation does cause hair loss and cold feet but as you say it was a cold morning , you have got hairs and good sensation so I wouldn't worry : :wink:
For reference from http://www.members.feetforlife.org/download/8431/Diabetesandyourfeet.pdf
Changes to nerves .............................Changes to blood supply
Tingling or pins and needles.......................... Cramp in your calves
Numbness Shiny, .......................................smooth skin
Pain............................................ ..........Losing hair on your feet and legs
Sweating less,........................................... Thickened toenails
Feet may look red and feel hot to the touch..........Cold, pale feet
Changes in the shape of your feet ....................Change in the colour of the skin on your feet
Hard skin............................................. ...Wounds or sores
Losing sense of the position of your feet and legs .Pain in your feet
 

Celtic.Piskie

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My feet are a mess lol.

I did ballet from 3 - 17. They're a size 2, and very pale, just like the rest of me.

My friend on the other hand, is 6'5, born in Nigeria, and has size 12 fee that look like they came from a hobbit they're so hairy.

Looks like our feet are as individual as the rest of us :)
 

kegstore

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Cold feet? Put a hat on. Seriously, it does make a difference!

Your DSN has a lot to learn. I know exactly what she means by "typical diabetic feet", but 3 months is not nearly long enough to acquire them, especially with tighter control.
 

SophiaW

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Type of diabetes
Type 1
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I've heard other people talk about getting their feet checked at their 3 montly checkup, it is something that has never been done for my daughter. What should they be checking for and as my daughter has had T1 for 4 years should she be getting her feet checked at each clinic visit?
 

hennypenny

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hi, your DN was on a bit of a power trip. long term T1 or T2 usually with a history of poor control and have moderate/severe neuropathy with/out ischeamia do get typically defined characteristics, such as severe neuropathy can cause numbness, high arches, clawing toes, and may be cold but can also be very warm and sweaty. with ischeamia, feet can be cold, dry, not sweaty, and if lacking hair is because the circulation is so poor it can't sustain the hair any longer. but these are the descriptions of feet usually quite a way down the line often with other issues as well. newly diagnosed T2 can often had neuropathy on diagnosis due to the lenght of time they may have gone on unnoticed but i have never heard of T1 being diagnosed with problems and problems only start early if there is very poor control. Don't always listen to DN or GP' about feet go see a podiatrist. no 2 feet are the same and that includes your own and skin colour, temp, hairyness is individual so only worry if your feet change from there norm. from your nurses description i have diabetic and i'm not even diabetic! (my son is though) hope that helps.
 

copepod

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735
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
What the heck does does the presence or absence of hair on your feet matter?!?
Your sensation (ability to feel) has been tested and found normal. If your feet are pale, it's probably because you've been too scared to wear sandals through the summer. If your feet feel cold to you, then wear appropriate socks - your socks might have been off for ages waiting for the DSN to inspect them. If you press your toe (any toe will do!) enough to blanch it (make it go white) and then let go and the colour returns within 2 seconds, your venous return is adequate.
 

Giraffe

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Whenever I hear about bad feet, I always think of Paris Hilton - hers are really ugly and claw like! Not really on the diabetic topic, but it is foot related!



parisfoot.jpg
 

Celtic.Piskie

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Noooo, make the dinosaur go away!!!

Feet are odd.