Diabetic Foot Ulcer is a common risk associated with diabetes. It may seem harmless at the start; however, it may turn serious if not treated properly. Though diabetic foot ulcers can develop at any time, they are more likely to occur during the monsoon, which is why it becomes important for people to ensure proper diabetic foot care to avoid further complications.
At Madhavbaug, we focus on the root causes of chronic diseases like diabetes, which also include three main pillars:
Ahāra (diet): what, when, and how you eat
Vihāra (lifestyle): physical activity, routine, sleep
Vichāra (mental discipline): stress and emotional balance
Since Ayurveda also believes that prevention is better than cure, consuming a proper diet and following a proper regimen are important, especially during monsoon, for which Madhavbaug provides a holistic solution.
Why Monsoon Raises Foot Risk
Diabetes may gradually lead to poor blood circulation and nerve function. Since the feet are furthest from the heart in the circulatory system, they are the first to be affected.
In monsoon season, the atmosphere is very humid, which can lead to increases in bacterial and fungal growth. Since the moisture levels are high, skin can easily be affected, which can destroy the protective barrier of the foot. In diabetic patients, wounds and injuries also take longer to heal, which can create more opportunities for bacterial growth. These factors increase the chance of developing a foot ulcer during monsoon.
Warning Signs Requiring Medical Care
Typically, skin tears may occur frequently in monsoon; however, a common question may arise: does every skin tear indicate a foot ulcer? The answer is no. These signs should not be feared; instead, they should be kept in mind so that proper medical care can be taken at the right time to avoid serious consequences.
Some warning signs:
Chronic non-healing wound
Persistent Pain
Redness or Blackening of the Skin
Foul smell from wound
Any foul discharge through the wound
Daily Inspection Checklist
Many times, it becomes difficult to notice such symptoms, and so it is important for diabetic people to prepare a daily checklist. This may help track the condition easily and also avoid further risk.
Here is a sample checklist:
Symptoms Developed
A wound in the foot taking time to heal Yes/No
Pain in feet Yes/No
Redness or Blackening of the skin in any foot Yes/No
Foul smell from wound Yes/No
Any discharge or secretion from the wound Yes/No
Any new developments of symptoms in the checklist indicate that it may require medical attention, for which you can consult your nearest Madhavbaug centre.
Diabetic Foot Care Tips
The first thing to keep in mind is footwear. Footwear can play an essential role in preventing the foot ulcer. Proper footwear includes:
Not too tight to affect pressure joints
Not too lose to allow feet to stay wet
Of a material which may avoid wet feet
Style which does not leave space between toes
Along with these precautions, monsoon care for diabetes may also include the following habits:
Drying feet regularly with a towel, especially between the toes
Trimming nails regularly to avoid accumulation of dust and bacteria
Avoid using creams between the toes and on wet skin
Ayurveda for Diabetic Foot Care
Ayurveda does not only focus on the curative but also on the preventive aspects as well. Certain concepts in Ayurveda may help you focus on the root cause, avoiding further risks.
One important concept is ‘Ritucharya’, or the seasonal regimen. This plan includes a seasonal guide that is advised to be followed throughout the year. For now, it’s important to focus on Varsha Ritucharya, which is the monsoon seasonal guide.
Food to be consumed Food having Amla rasa (sour) and Lavana rasa (salty) and sneha
(Unctuous) qualities should
be eaten.
Old barley, wheat and Shali rice (Oryza sativum Linn.) maintain digestive power.
One should drink Madhvika Arishta (a honey-based fermented drink)
It is advised to drink pure rainwater that has been boiled and cooled.
Food to be avoided Foods having Katu (spicy) and Kashaya rasa (astringent) and guru
(heavy to digest) qualities should
be avoided.
Regimen to be followed Do not go out without wearing footwear
Reside in house devoid of humidityBathe with boiled water, then apply oil and a paste of aromatic drugs like chandana.
Regimen to be avoided Day-sleeping
Staying awake for long in the night
Constant exposure to water and wind
Residing near river banks
Madhavbaug’s Holistic Approach To Diabetic Foot Care
Keeping the guidelines of Ayurveda in mind, Madhavbaug has brought many innovations in treating diabetes, centring on its root cause. It not only focuses on diabetic management but also diabetic reversal and metabolic healing. Through the following attributes, Madhavbaug steps forward as a holistic and sustainable solution for diabetes:
Panchakarma
A powerful cleansing detox that helps burn fat and boost insulin uptake in cells, thus improving cellular metabolism. Therapies like Basti (medicated enema) focus on increasing cellular absorption through the large intestine, thus helping elevate the Vata imbalance in the body and overall health (Agalcha et al., 2022). With this virechan (purgation), svedana (induced sweating) also focuses on flushing toxins out of the body.
Research-Based Diet: Prameha Diet Kit
A diet box is scientifically designed to contain pre-portioned food products that may help decrease the glycaemic index, lower blood sugar levels, and reduce post-meal spikes. This kit may assist in the reversal of diabetes.
Herbal Medicines
Drugs like Triphala, Jambubeeja, and Mamejaka are all advised for diabetes. At Madhavbaug, keeping palatability into consideration, capsules like Glydro and BAH help manage diabetes.
In addition, continuous monitoring with the MIB app and a customised exercise plan can help manage diabetes better. So, take a step towards holistic wellness and book your consultation at the nearest Madhavbaug centre.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q.1 Can diabetics use moisturising cream?
Yes, but make sure not to use it on wet skin, and just avoid it between the toes.
Q.2 How to prevent fungal infection in diabetic feet?
Wear proper footwear and dry your feet properly and frequently
Q.3 What kind of footwear can diabetic people wear?
Footwear which can resist water accumulation in the feet and persistent moist feet
Q.4 How to take care of diabetic feet during the monsoon?
Dry them regularly and trim nails regularly
Q.5 When should one consult a doctor for a diabetic foot ulcer?
As soon as symptoms develop, book a consultation to avoid further complications.
References
Dr. Priya Jarimalli, Dr. Pratibha Kulkarni. Ritucharya w.s.r. to Varsha Ritu and its effect on Health. J Ayurveda Integr Med Sci 2021;2:163-165.
Tripathi B, editor. Acharya Charakas’ Charak Samhita. Varanasi: Chowkhamba Surbharati Prakashan, 2007;p.106.
Tripathi B, editor. Acharya Charakas’ Charak Samhita. Varanasi: Chowkhamba Surbharati Prakashan, 2007;p.106.
Tripathi B, editor. Acharya Charakas’ Charak Samhita. Varanasi: Chowkhamba Surbharati Prakashan, 2007;p.106.
Tripathi B, editor. Acharya Charakas’ Charak Samhita. Varanasi: Chowkhamba Surbharati Prakashan, 2007;p.106.
Tripathi B, editor. Acharya Charakas’ Charak Samhita. Varanasi: Chowkhamba Surbharati Prakashan, 2007;p.106.
Vagbhata, Astanga Hridayam, compiled by Dr. Anna Moreshwara Kunte, Krishna Ramachandra Shastri Navare: edition reprint: Chowkambha Orientalia, Varanasi: 2005;p.32
Vagbhata, Astanga Hridayam, compiled by Dr. Anna Moreshwara Kunte, Krishna Ramachandra Shastri Navare: edition reprint: Chowkambha Orientalia, Varanasi: 2005;p.33
Agnivesha, Charaka Samhita, edited by R K Sharma, Bhagwan Dash: Edition reprint, Chowkhanbha Sanskrit Series Office, Varanasi, Sutrasthana, 2001;p.141
Agalcha, R., Rajoria, K., Singh, S.K. and Sitpal, N., 2022. Critical Analysis on Action of Basti: A Review. Research & Reviews: A Journal of Ayurvedic Science, Yoga & Naturopathy. 2022; 9 (3): 32–36p. Critical Analysis on Action of Basti Agalcha et al. STM Journals, p.2.
