Avoid diabetes foot problems with new slippers this Christmas says Diabetes UK Cymru

Leading health charity Diabetes UK Cymru is urging people with diabetes to ask for new slippers this Christmas to reduce the risk of foot injuries that can lead to amputation.

The charity wants people with diabetes to ditch unsuitable slippers and ask their loved ones for a supportive new pair to reduce the risk of injuring their feet around the home.

People with diabetes are at risk of damage to the nerves and blood supply to their feet, which can cause numbness.

This can lead to foot ulcers and slow-healing wounds which, if infected, can result in amputation.

Four people with diabetes have lower limb amputations every week in Wales - 240 people every year.

However, researchers believe between 49 per cent and 85 percent of diabetic amputations can be prevented through good foot care.

Podiatrists recommend that people with diabetes should always wear slippers around the home to reduce the risk of foot injuries.

This festive season, Diabetes UK Cymru is campaigning to raise awareness of how wearing slippers, and the right kind of slippers, can reduce the risk of injuries at home.

The campaign is being backed by Age Concern Cymru as the chances of falling and the severity of injuries increase after the age of 60.

It is also being backed by RNIB Cymru as people with visual problems and blindness, including diabetes-related sight problems, will benefit from wearing appropriate slippers to reduce the risk of falls.

David Learthart, who has Type 2 diabetes, discovered the perils of walking around his home barefoot when he injured his foot on a metal nut on the kitchen floor in June.

The injury caused a diabetes-related ulcer, which took four months to heal.

"I was getting a glass of water in the night and I stepped on a metal nut on the kitchen floor," said the 63-year-old, of Coryton, Cardiff, who works as an associate clinical technologist for Cardiff and Vale NHS Trust.

"Two days later I looked at my foot and it had become an ulcer.

"I knew exactly what to do as I'd had one before so I rang the podiatry team at my local hospital and they have been looking after me since.

"I'm eternally grateful for their work. There's no doubt in my mind that they have saved my leg.

"It was absolutely clear that if I had been wearing slippers it wouldn't have happened.

"I'm not a slipper person at all but I won't do that again. I have slippers made by orthopedics now and I always wear them.

"It sounds silly but you never know what's on the floor, particularly at night."

Diabetes UK Cymru has created a Good Slipper Guide poster for GPs surgeries and pharmacies across Wales to highlight the best types of slipper to reduce the risk of injury.

Based upon research into the link between inappropriate slippers and falls among older people, and advice from podiatrists, the poster recommends:

-          Supple slippers, which are good for balance.

-          Softer sole materials, which have better grip.

-          Velcro straps, which give good fitting.

-          Getting slippers with durable stiffeners for support.

-          Always check inside for rough areas and objects, which can cause injury.

Dai Williams, National Director of Diabetes UK Cymru, said: "Many of us will get slippers as gifts over Christmas and this year we want people with diabetes to get a good pair from their loved ones.

"It's appalling that 240 people with diabetes in Wales undergo lower limb amputations every year and this Christmas we want to reduce this number by getting people with diabetes to wear suitable slippers at home.

"Research has shown that people wearing slippers without fasteners are more likely to trip so wearing slippers that can be fastened in is an easy and excellent way for people with diabetes to reduce the risk of foot injuries at home.

"If your loved one has diabetes, I would urge you to follow our advice and get them a suitable pair of slippers in the right size for Christmas. It could be the most important gift you give them this year."

Theresa King, Chief Podiatrist at Cardiff and Vale NHS Trust, said: "Your safety is more important than comfort or fashion.

"Healthy feet and correct footwear should be at the top of everyone's ‘healthy check list'.

"Wrong size or poorly shaped slippers can exert pressure on the foot and accelerate any underlying problem. 

"Check your feet daily as early identification of foot problems are imperative to treatment and recovery.

"Healthy feet will enhance your mobility and independence and continuing quality of life."

For information about diabetes, or to become a member of Diabetes UK, call Diabetes UK Cymru on 029 2066 8276 or email wales@diabetes.org.uk