Gluten is the protein found in wheat, rye and barley. Many people choose a gluten-free lifestyle to avoid refined flour, which has almost no nutritional value but is calorie-laden. Some people avoid gluten because they suffer from celiac disease (the medical term for gluten intolerance), which can cause digestive discomfort in the form of gas, diarrhea, abdominal pain and bloating.

Effects of Gluten Intolerance

Gluten intolerance is an autoimmune disease rather than an allergy. In severe cases of celiac disease, gluten attacks parts of the small intestine where nutrients from food are absorbed. Malnutrition is the most obvious side effect, followed by anemia, osteoporosis, stunted growth (in children) and depression. If you think you may have gluten intolerance or symptoms of celiac disease, seek the advice of a doctor as soon as possible to be tested. Your physician may suggest that you meet with a dietitian.

Gluten-Free Carbohydrates

A gluten-free diet does not mean you can have no carbohydrates. You can enjoy quinoa, rice, corn and flours made from these grains. Many gluten-free breads are available. Beans are a satisfying combination of carbohydrate and protein. Rice and beans are a nutritious and safe food choice.

Meat

Meat is naturally free of gluten. Be aware, though, that breaded meats contain gluten (unless you prepare them yourself, using gluten-free flour). Meatballs almost always have breadcrumbs mixed in, and many meat replacement products (designed for vegetarians) also contain gluten. Packaged and prepared meat products that may contain gluten are hamburger patties, hot dogs, cold cuts and canned chili.

Dairy Foods

Except for malted drinks, gluten does not naturally exist in milk products. However, there may be gluten in prepared dairy foods like cheeses, flavored yogurts, whipped cream and some nondairy creamers.

Fruits and Vegetables

Fresh and unprocessed frozen fruits and vegetables contain no gluten. Avoid canned fruit, creamed vegetables and prepared sauces for vegetables unless you can make sure that there is no gluten in the syrup or sauce.

Foods to Avoid

Packaged and processed foods often contain gluten. If avoiding them altogether sounds too difficult, read labels to look for the word “flour” on such foods as instant flavored rice, egg substitutes, flavored potato chips and chocolate. Barley contains gluten, as do matzoh and semolina flour. Beer and some other alcoholic beverages contain gluten.

Call restaurants before eating out to ask about gluten-free dishes.

Diabetes is a disease in which the body is not able to filter glucose levels properly, and that leads to damage of the nerves and blood vessels. When this damage occurs, two main problems happen, nerve damage and poor blood flow. These conditions can lead to many diabetic foot problems.

Neuropathy

Diabetic nerve damage is also called neuropathy. When you have neuropathy, your sensation of pain in your feet is diminished. This loss of pain sensation could make one unaware of a sore, blister, cut or rash until it becomes infected. Neuropathy will affect the amount of moisture delivered to your skin and may cause dry, cracked feet. These cracks can also become infected.

Peripheral Vascular Disease

Damage to your blood vessels, or peripheral vascular disease, leads to poor blood flow to your legs and feet. This condition impacts how well your body will be able to heal a cut or blister. Smoking also decreases blood flow to your extremities and will compound the lack of blood flow.

Potential Problems

Neuropathy and peripheral vascular disease work together to create major problems for your feet. For example; you have a rock in your shoe, but you can’t feel it under your toe because of neuropathy. By the end of the day, you have a blister on your toe and it does not heal well because lack of blood flow to your foot. The blister gets infected, and excess glucose in your bloodstream (due to diabetes) feeds on the germs on the infected toe. If this sore does not heal, it may turn to gangrene. If your physician can’t keep this from spreading, you may have to have your toe, foot or part of your leg amputated. Gangrene is a condition where the skin and flesh around a wound turns black and dies.

Calluses

Calluses on your feet are also common when you have diabetes, usually due to poor fitting shoes. You should prevent calluses from forming in the first place, by gently using a pumice stone while your skin is wet. Rub lotion on your feet directly after using the pumice stone. Calluses need to be treated by a doctor. If left without proper care, calluses may get thick and fall off, leave an open wound in the skin, and become infected.

Prevention/Solution

How can you avoid diabetic foot problems? Stop smoking. Buy comfortable, properly fitting shoes. Inspect your feet every day, preferably at night after a long day of usage. Look for redness, sores, cracks, blisters, calluses, cuts and rashes. If you are unable to bend down to look at your feet, use a mirror, or better yet, get someone to check for you. Wash your feet every day in warm water; avoid hot water, as it dries the skin out. Rub a good lotion on them; make sure the foot is completely dry before putting on socks and shoes. Make sure the area between the toes is dry as well. Use a pumice stone on calluses every day. Trim your toenails carefully, or have a professional do it who understands the proper way to avoid skin injury. Wear socks, shoes or slippers to protect your feet. Get the proper amount of exercise each day to keep circulation moving to your feet.

You should be under a physician’s care to help protect your feet from diabetic foot problems.