Do's and Don'ts if you suffer from poor circulation

• You should try to keep your whole body warm. Wear enough clothes and wrap up warm in colder weather.
• You should keep your feet warm by wearing warm socks and slippers around the house, and using bed socks at night. Check that they are not too tight, as this can restrict circulation and cause problems.
• When you go out, wear thick socks and fleece-lined boots. You may find it easier to go up a size in shoes so that you can wear thick socks without making your boots too tight.
• You can keep the blood moving by exercising your feet. Try wiggling your toes and rotating your foot backwards from the ankle.
• When having a bath, check that the temperature is right before getting in. You can use your elbow to test the water temperature.
• Don't put your feet close to a fire
• Don't plaid your feet on a hot radiator.
• Don't use a hot water bottle
• Don't place your feet in a bowl of hot water or warm your feet in a hot bath

Good Ideas for looking after your feet

Good control of blood glucose levels is one of the best things you can do. You should use your blood glucose meter to keep your levels at the targets that your doctor, nurse or clinic agreed with you.

Keeping your feet clean is important. You should wash them everyday and dry them carefully, paying close attention to drying between your toes. You can use a little moisturiser on your legs and feet, but not between your toes.

You should keep your toenails trimmed. You may find it easier to file your nails rather than cutting them, this also reduces the risk of cutting yourself. Whether you choose to cut or file, your nails should curve gently downwards at either end.

If you notice a blister or sore on your foot then you should make an appointment with your state-registered chiropodist or GP without delay.

You should choose your shoes and socks with care. Your shoes should fit well so that they don't rub or squeeze your feet. Very tight nylon socks can rub your feet.

It is best to avoid walking barefoot. If you are losing some of the feeling in your feet then walking barefoot is no longer a good idea.