If you are diabetic, it is important to take care of your feet and one way to do this is by clipping your toenails correctly.
Foot problems can occur when toenails are clipped improperly which can lead to cuts or ingrown nails that can become infected.
In this article, we will discuss the best way to clip your toenails if you have diabetes and provide a list of a few of the best diabetic toenail clippers.
We will also talk about some common foot problems that diabetics can experience and when you need to see your doctor about diabetic foot problems.
Why does diabetes cause foot problems?
Diabetes can create different foot problems.
One common problem is diabetic neuropathy, which is caused by nerve damage to your peripheral nerves which are nerves outside of your brain or spine. It can lead to numbness in the feet that can make it difficult to notice injuries or other problems.
Diabetic neuropathy can also cause changes in the shape of the feet, making them more likely to develop calluses and bunions.
The main concern though with diabetic neuropathy is receiving a wound that can turn into a diabetic foot ulcer.
If you have diabetic neuropathy and a diabetic foot ulcer, it is more likely that you will not feel it and it can become infected. Severe infections caused by diabetic ulcers are one of the leading causes of lower limb amputations.
The wounds on your feet may also develop an infection due to peripheral artery disease.
Peripheral artery disease is when there is a buildup of plaque in your blood vessels which can cause the arteries to narrow and harden.
The narrowing and hardening reduce the blood flow to your feet causing poor circulation and can make it difficult for wounds to heal.
Diabetic foot ulcers caused by peripheral artery disease are also more likely to become infected.
What are diabetic toenail clippers?
Diabetic toenail clippers are specially designed to help avoid ingrown toenails that can lead to infection and ulcers.
They have some features that make them different from regular toenail clippers. For example, they often have a curved blade which helps to follow the natural shape of your toenail and avoid cutting too close to the skin.
They also often have a larger handle which can provide a better grip for you if you have arthritis or other conditions that cause dexterity problems.
What are the best diabetic toenail clippers?
There are many different types of diabetic toenail clippers on the market.
Some of the factors you may want to consider when choosing a pair of clippers include the size and shape of the blade, the type of handle, and whether they have any special features such as being able to adjust the blade angle.
It is important to find a pair of clippers that are comfortable for you to use and that will allow you to clip your nails safely and effectively. Three of the best diabetic toenail clippers we have found are:
Pairswind 3 Pack Nail Clipper Set with File and Nail Dig Kit
The three pack of clippers plus the file and nail dig kit are all stainless steel for rust prevention and provide a smooth, clean cut.
One of the nail clippers is perfect if you are elderly or are a diabetic patient as it has no slip handles and a 25 degree nail-shaped, curved blade so you do not have to use multiple cuts at different angles.
Another heavy-duty toenail clipper is meant for use on your thicker nails while the third clipper has a nail catcher for all your toenail cuttings.
It also comes with a nail dig kit and file which tools podiatrists use to file down any jagged edges, dig out ingrown nails, and help keep your nails clean.
Link: https://www.amazon.com/Toenail-Clippers-Podiatrist-Ingrown-Professional/dp/B08FFSD4FC/
New Huing Podiatrist Toenail Clippers
These clippers provide you with a no-slip handle and curved, sharp blades on the toenail cutter to make it easy to cut even the thickest toenails.
The surgical-grade stainless steel clippers will provide you with long-lasting durability while also preventing rust.
These nail clippers also have a double spring action that will also help to extend their life. An ABS, non-slip, ergonomic handle design is also used for comfort and a firm grip.
New Huing also offers a one-year guarantee to refund or replace your product if you are not satisfied.
Link: https://www.amazon.com/Podiatrist-Clippers-Professional-Pedicure-Grooming/dp/B07V72Z77W/
firiKer Nail Clipper Set
The most affordable option in this group is the firiKer nail clipper set, this set contains an all-purpose toenail clipper and fingernail clipper without the non-slip handles.
Made of premium stainless steel and a curved blade, they provide the ultimate in durability and comfort when cutting your nails. Each one also has a built-in foldaway nail file and cleaner that flips out, similar to the nail clippers.
The small size and key chain holes at the end make these perfect nail clippers for on the go or for when you are traveling.
Link: https://www.amazon.com/Clipper-Stainless-Fingernail-Effortless-Clippers/dp/B088T6CWDX/
What is the best method to clip toenails for diabetics?
The best method to clip toenails for diabetics is similar to the method everyone should be using, which is to cut straight across the nail using a sharp pair of clippers.
You need to avoid cutting too close to the skin as this can lead to ingrown toenails or cuts that can become infected.
It is also important to file down any sharp edges after you have clipped your nails to help prevent them from catching on anything and causing further damage.
Some experts recommend cutting after you bathe as your nails will be softer; however, we recommend that you cut your nails when they are completely dry to avoid rough edges.
What are the best ways to practice diabetic foot care?
Besides cutting your toenails properly, there are a few different things that you can do to practice healthy diabetic foot care.
First, it is important to check your feet every day for any cuts, bruises, or blisters.
You also need to keep your feet clean by washing your feet every day with mild soap and water and making sure that you dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes.
It is important to moisturize your feet, but you need to be careful not to put lotion between your toes as this can lead to fungal infections.
Avoid walking barefoot and wear comfortable shoes that fit well and provide support while wearing socks with your shoes always.
You may also want to wear diabetic socks to help avoid friction and foot irritation in your shoes and to allow maximum blood circulation.
Monitoring your diabetes to make sure your blood glucose levels are in the target range and managing your diabetes is key to keeping your feet healthy.
To manage your diabetes you can eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, maintain a healthy weight, and take any medicines as prescribed by your doctor which can all help prevent or stop the progression of diabetic neuropathy and help prevent infection too.
If you have any diabetic foot problems, it is important to see your doctor or podiatrist (foot doctor) as soon as possible.
When do I need to see a doctor about diabetic foot problems?
All diabetic foot problems need to be seen by your doctor or podiatrist as soon as possible.
Diabetic foot problems can lead to serious infections that can even become life-threatening if left untreated.
It is also important to schedule regular diabetic foot exams with your doctor or podiatrist to help catch any diabetic foot complications early.
Summary
If you have diabetes, it is important to take extra care of your feet to help prevent diabetic foot problems.
Clipping your toenails properly is important to maintaining healthy feet and we provide you with a few options of diabetic clippers as well as the correct method for clipping your toenails.
Another way you can take care of your feet is by monitoring your diabetes and seeing your doctor or podiatrist regularly for foot exams to help treat and prevent any problems.
We also provide some other tips above to help prevent any other foot problems that you can practice every day on your own for overall foot health.
If you have any more questions regarding your toenails or feet and diabetes, please talk to your doctor, health care provider, or podiatrist.
References and sources:
WebMD
Diabetes UK
NIH
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Diabetic.org is devoted to producing expert and accurate articles and information for our readers by hiring experts, journalists, medical professionals, and our growing Diabetic.org community. We encourage you to read more about our content, editing, and fact checking methods here. This was fact checked by Jacqueline Hensler and medically reviewed by Dr. Angel Rivera.
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