How critical is it is to focus on foot care for a 14 year old boy newly diagnosed with type�1 diabetes? Where can we get information about purchasing proper shoes without inside seams that match the interests of a teenager who wants to be like all the other kids? Any information regarding foot care for a teenager is appreciated.

Sorry — your son should win this argument easily!

Common sense foot care for teens is all that is needed. The warnings about food care are very generalized and usually imply pre-existing vascular compromise and/or nerve damage, so the dangers under such circumstances for ingrown toenails, cuts, bunions and poorly-fitted shoes are very high. For most youngsters including adolescents, common sense dictates some of the following:

If the shoes or sneakers hurt, don’t wear them — no different with or without diabetes.
If the sand is too hot, don’t walk on it barefoot.
If there are too many rocks or other things that would cut up the feet, protect the feet — on the ground, in the woods, on the beach, etc.

SB

[Editor’s comment: I’ll add one more: Shake out your shoes before putting them on. Especially if you have a kitty who likes to hide things in odd places.

WWQ]