Part 3 of the "Everyday Solutions" series

If you have diabetes, spending good quality time with your feet is the key to healthy and happy walking. To help you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

Take time to examine each foot.

After you shower or get ready to go to bed, take a few minutes to examine your feet. Inspect each toe, your heels, and the tops and soles of your feet. Use a mirror, if necessary, to help you see the bottoms. Look for sores, cuts or bruises. Feel for lumps, swelling or changes in temperature. If anything looks out of the ordinary, make a note and share it with your doctor. If you feel pain, call your doctor immediately. It could be a sign of nerve damage.

Treat your feet with loving care.

When you have diabetes, your feet need special attention after you swim or bathe to ensure that they are dry. However, dry skin can also be a problem. Make sure that you always dry your feet carefully, paying extra attention to the spaces between your toes. Your doctor may instruct you to trim your toenails straight across to help avoid injuries or ingrown toenails. Be sure to check the insides of your shoes before putting them on. A rough seam or a tiny rock could irritate your skin. If your feet are cold at night, wear a pair of comfortable socks.

Buy something nice for your feet.

The shoes you buy may be the most important foot-care decision you can make. In addition to style, proper fit, cushioning and stability are all important factors to consider. To ensure that you buy the right size shoes, be sure to go shopping in the afternoon or evening when your feet are usually larger. Always try on both shoes in the pair. After all, no two feet are the same. Lastly, find shoes that you like and wear them. Going barefoot, even at home, is never a good idea.