Do you have diabetic neuropathy? That numb, burning, tingling, sensation that drives you crazy?

Peripheral neuropathy is one of the well-known complications of diabetes that affects nerve function in the extremities. Since neuropathy impairs sensation, your body can no longer alert itself to injury the way it used to. This lack of physical awareness can lead to some serious consequences, including cuts, ulcers, and other injuries, that are all preventable.

Here are 5 safety tips to help you prevent injury.

#1. Keep your cooking knives in a knife block.

The impaired sensation in your fingers may make it difficult to feel sharp edges on knives and other utensils. If you dig around in a drawer to find a sharp knife, you risk the possibility of cutting yourself without feeling it. Keeping your knives in a knife block will separate sharp knives from other utensils and house the blades until you are ready to use them, lowering your risk of an accidental cut.

#2. Adjust the temperature of your hot water.

Yes, I know. Those hot, stingy showers feel so good! If you have diabetic neuropathy, however, your body may not detect the water temperature accurately and may not give you that “ouch, that’s hot!” sensation, resulting in a burn. You can prevent this from happening by turning the temperature down on your water heater to 120 degrees. When you start your shower, let it run for about a minute before you get in. Doing so will allow your water temperature to level out, avoiding any hot water surprises.

#3. Get rid of those throw rugs.

So, your grandma made those throw rugs for your kitchen, and you just can’t bear to part with them. However, throw rugs are a safety hazard for anyone who might have problems feeling their feet. Diabetic neuropathy can cause the feet to lose mobility while walking, making it difficult to adjust to uneven surfaces. Removing hazards from common traffic areas in your home, including throw rugs, will improve your safety as you walk around your house.

#4. Test your stove burners before you touch them.

As with the water temperature, your stove burners may or may not have indicators to tell you when they have cooled down. If your neuropathy impairs your ability to sense temperature, you may touch a hot burner without realizing it. A simple test to tell if a burner is still hot is to sprinkle a little cold water on it. If it sizzles, don’t touch that burner!

#5. Throw out the sneakers and the stilettos.

I am sorry to ruin the fashion party, but peripheral neuropathy prevents you from feeling blisters and pressure areas on the soles of your feet. Untreated, they can develop into nasty pressure sores that take weeks to heal. A much better option is to wear supportive shoes that balance the weight of your foot as you walk. If you just can’t bear to buy those diabetic shoes, then consult with a podiatrist or physical therapist regarding your shoe options.
 
Special thanks to Janet M., licensed Occupational Therapist, for writing this article.