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• November 13, 2009 8:54 a.m.

  I cannot bend over long enough to give myself a pedicure.(COPD in addition to diabetes) I go to a nail salon about every 3 to 4 weeks. The tecnition who does my toes is aware than I am diabetic and is very careful when she works on my feet and nails. I find that having the same person doing my pedicures every time is a great advantage to the health of my feet as she know me and my health concerns. Besides a pedicure is a GREAT stress reliever. Betty In Griffin

  - No name given

• August 20, 2009 2:42 p.m.

  Nancy and Peggy, Lotion between toes yes that is not good it cause infection and germ track into then pours of your skin. Mt suggestion is use Tea Tree Oil is great or Dr G's Bacteria Lotion. It has Benzalkonium Chloride and it is a topic bacteria cleanser. Good Luck!

  - Deena G Blythe (Deena's Nail Clinic)

• August 20, 2009 2:33 p.m.

  Diabetic people need to be very careful where they get there pedicures at. I have specialize in Geriatric, diabetic, ingrown and fungus toenails for 24 years. I was training at UTHSCSA. I worked with many Podiatrist in my life. I advise many Manicurist NOT to trim cuticle and trim toenails straight across and NOT too short, not rounded even if they are ingrown. Use Hydrodrogen perixode 3% and ingrown nail file gentley. pack ingrown with very little cotton. The apply ice pack for 5 minutes. Advise them gallon warm water to 1/8 cup peroxide 3%. I have a toenail clinic that 70% of them are diabetic and they are ingrown. If you are a manicurist learn first then practice. take care of your feet, my slogon is.... If your feet are not becoming to you, you should be coming to me! Sincerely Deena G Blythe

  - Deena G Blythe (Deena's Nail Clinic)

• March 19, 2009 9:07 a.m.

  I love having a pedicure. If they are very careful, it can be useful I feel in keeping a check on your feet. I also have neuropathy and although it's sometimes difficult to have someone mess with my feet, in the long run, it's a good thing. I have not had any bad experiences with pedicures. Am I crazy to have them?

  - janet mailer

• March 3, 2009 8:53 p.m.

  i was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes about 4 years ago. i was told over 20 years ago i was a borderline diabetic.when i went to the classes i was told no such thing as a borderline diabetic .for years i rubbed sandpaper on the bottom of my feet. can,t do that anymore. i have been tested and have neuropathy. i go to a podiatrist every 6or 8 weeks .she trims my nails only no soak or rubbing at all. she cuts excess dry skin off with a razor. my insurance pays up to 250.00 a year . i have been told i probably had diabetes 24 years ago when my skin looked like someone put their cigarette out on me all over my body they would never heal . my question is can too high #12.9 or too low 2.7 when i first get up# can it change your behavior almost like diareah of the mouth .i don,t eat when i first get up that doesn,t help .in canada you can,t drive a car under 5.6 .i say whatever comes into my mouth. i have gained a lot of weight.i just started a new doctor.my old one retired.

  - donna renwick

• February 24, 2009 4:05 a.m.

  I have juvenile diabetes and most times its in good control. I have had it now since 16 yrs old and now I am 43. I started getting pedicures now that my sons (15 and 17) are self reliant when they want to be. A amatuer at the pedicure pampering, I allowed the scrub on the sole of my feet.Please avoid or advise pedicurist not to scrub and to only do heel. I would cringe while she scrubbed. A natural exfoliating rub at home is better. I use minerals from the Dead Sea sold mostly in herbal spas or as are in malls as small vendors. While feeling good that day, the days after the nerves on the sole of my feet were killing me. Tingling and uncomfortable shot pains all over. My Endocrinologist warned against the scrubbing/exfoliating. Ugh. The toenail trim was not so trimmed. Don't trim too short and dont keep to long. I understand some women like a little nail on their toes but for diabetics that pressure on nail in shoes-sneakers, pantyhose or tights is uncomfortable and sometimes painful. our immediate reaction is to takes shoes off but as soon as shoes are back on that slight pressure all day long on your toenail doesnt help. Trim but trim carefully. Our feet are really sensative so though the pressure may not be too noticeable or may seem slight, its the continued slight pressure that eventually becomes more and more noticeable and painful. As soon as you trim the nails, the pressure is relieved

  - "T"

• February 8, 2009 11:11 a.m.

  My husband has horrendous callouses on his feet. He's not diabetic, but probably pre-diabetic. Finding it hard to bend over to get to the bottom of his feet, I'd like to be able to help him doctor his callouses. But, I really don't know what to do. And he is having a burning sensation on the edge of one that covers the ball of his foot. Pls HELP!

  - Jeannine

• February 5, 2009 10:25 a.m.

  The issue with the lotion between the toes is related to moisture between the toes, which can promote bacteria growth. If you dry well between the toes after a shower or applying lotion, it is a non issue.

  - Nancy and Peggy

• February 4, 2009 4:58 p.m.

  I was shocked when I read this article. I am a diabetic and have had manicures and pedicures for decades and never experienced the problems you outline. Any pedicurist who "cuts the skin", or tries to remove cuticles, is not a qualified professional. Nobody should be using "wooden sticks" as instruments that need to be sterilized. Razors should not be a problem in the hands of a professional pedicurist, or podriatrist. I go to both several times a year and they use a razor to remove callouses every visit, without incident. Naturally, like any other service, the consumer should only deal with trained professionals in a reputable establishment, and be willing to pay the price they charge for their expertise. I can't believe an RN would advise any patient never to get a pedicure. This is sheer ignorance!

  - Linda

• February 4, 2009 5:23 a.m.

  I wish someone would tell me why diabetics are not supposed to lotion between the toes?

  - Linda

• February 3, 2009 11:37 p.m.

  I have been having pedicures for years. But now, as a diabetic, I prefer to have my pedicure done ONLY by my podiatrist (foot doctor). It is more expensive, but so much safer!xf7aNk

  - Joy

• February 2, 2009 3:14 p.m.

  Low blood sugars every day is too often. Please check with your doctor. It sounds like the diabetes medication should be adjusted down or even discontinued. With type 2 diabetes and weight loss you may be able to manage the diabetes with diet and exercise alone.

  - Nancy and Peggy

• February 2, 2009 3:01 p.m.

  Re: The wonders of the pedicure for diabetics. I live in the South where your feet are always on display and your toes "are" painted. I too had heard of the horrors of a pedicure but,they do them now without the use of the cutting tools. They simply use a couple of different types of pumice stones and after 2 or three pedicures in a short distance apart, they look and feel like silk. The trick at home to keep them looking nice is to use the foot pumice tool that somes on a paddle shaped piece of wood.(This is available at most drug stores and of course WM). The other is a good rub with shea butter after a shower or bath. My feet used to be a close second to a porcupine and now they are like silk. The BIG TRICK is to remember to use the creamy butters after every shower or bath. Amazing how nice to have pretty feet.

  - Nancy

• February 2, 2009 1:06 p.m.

  My husband has lost weight and has really been watching his diet after a heart attach six months ago. His blood level is prone to really bottom out almost everyday. I can't find any info on low blood sugar.

  - Mary

• January 29, 2009 6:52 a.m.

  This is excellent information for those who want pretty feet. It is too risky for the diabetics and even for those who do not have diabetes. I have heard horror stories about infections that grew to such proportion walking became a problem so why take the risk? It is better to be pretty inside ourselves anyway rather than just being pretty on the outside. Evelyn Guzman http://www.free-symptoms-of-diabetes-alert.com (If you want to visit, just click but if it doesn’t work, copy and paste it onto your browser.)

  - Evelyn Guzman