Foot care

I have lost almost 2 stone since completing my DAFNE course (aided by my weight management programme). I have brought my HbA1c down from 9.8% to 7.4%, and I have being going regularly to a gym for the last 12 weeks. On Sunday I did my 1st 10K race (for Diabetes UK of course!), but I have ended up with lots of blisters on my feet. I have dressed them all and have been trying to rest them as much as possible, but I am really upset they occurred in the first place. I have full sensation in my feet, and appart from the odd small blister occurring with new or 'fancy' shoes, I generally don't have a problem with them. Is there anything anyone can suggest to strengthen the skin (or underlying structure) of my feet to prevent this from happening again (as it's really cutting into my gym time!), or have years of being above 9% done the damage to my feet for good?

If they're typical blisters, then they'll heal and go. You've done very very well from the sounds of things, try not to let the blisters worry you. Have you got foot complications already to make you especially concerned like this? If I'm worried about a pair of shoes rubbing, then I tend to minimise how often I wear them.... are we talking about a pair you wear frequently for running, doing gym or sport? Is this why you're surprised about the blisters appearing?

Best wishes.

I think just taking part in the 10k is what has caused the blisters as opposed to anything diabetic related.

Diabetes doesn't make you more prone to blister or something similar, its the being able to feel injuries and heal that's affected......

It might just be a case of choosing the right shoe.....

Congratulations on the run.....

I used my gym trainers for the 10K - I use them for all the aerobic type exercise that I have been doing, and occasionally when out for walks (not as far as10K though). My normal everyday shoes have a thinner sole, so I figured that I would be better off wearing my trainers. I have padded 'biking' socks that I was going to wear, but decided against it because they are the short ankle/ sport socks, and I was worried that they might bunch up under my foot and cause blisters!!! The padded areas of these socks are exactly where most of the blisters appeared.
I guess my real surprise was the blisters on the soles of my heel - I have never had a blister there and I'm concerned that it will be really hard to relieve the pressure long enough to let it heal quickly. I think (once my blisters are healed, I should reward myself for completing the 10K with some decent socks and shoes!

Cheers guys