Florida Hurricane Season and Diabetic Foot Care Preparation

Florida Hurricane Season and Diabetic Foot Care Preparation Hurricane season in Florida brings preparation challenges for everyone, but if you have diabetes, your foot care becomes even more critical. Storms create conditions—flood water, power outages, stress, injury risk—that can compromise diabetic foot health. Dr. Sean Griffin wants you to be prepared so you can protect your feet and health during hurricane season while safely managing diabetes. Why Diabetic Feet Are Vulnerable During Hurricanes Diabetics face unique foot health challenges during storms: Neuropathy Risk: Many diabetics have reduced sensation in their feet. In emergency situations, you might not feel minor injuries, cuts, or temperature extremes until they become serious problems. Circulation Issues: Diabetes can reduce blood flow to feet. This means injuries heal slower and infection risk is higher. Emergency Disruptions: Power outages affect refrigeration of insulin. Stress affects blood sugar control. These factors indirectly impact foot health. Water Exposure: Floodwater exposes feet to contaminated water, increasing infection risk. Fungi and bacteria thrive in warm, wet conditions—exactly what hurricane related flooding creates. Reduced Healthcare Access: If storms damage clinics or prevent you from reaching medical care, untreated foot problems can worsen rapidly. Pre Season Foot Assessment Schedule an Appointment Before Season Peaks Before June (when hurricane season starts), schedule a comprehensive foot evaluation: Exam for existing cuts, sores, or infections Neuropathy testing (sensation in feet) Circulation assessment Toenail health evaluation Skin condition check Footwear assessment Address any existing problems now while healthcare is readily available. Don't wait for hurricane season to discover issues. Develop Your Hurricane Foot Care Kit Essential Diabetic Foot Care Supplies Create a dedicated hurricane kit specifically for foot care. Include: Daily Care Items: Mild soap and clean cloths Moisturizing lotion (non medicated for general skin) Antifungal powder Nail care tools (clippers, file) Wound Care Supplies: Antibiotic ointment Sterile gauze pads Medical tape Non stick wound dressings Elastic bandages for compression Antibiotic cream (prescription if your doctor recommends) Medication and Monitoring: Extra blood glucose testing strips Glucose meters and lancets Blood pressure monitor if you have one Any prescribed foot medications Pain reliever (as recommended by your doctor) Protective Items: Multiple pairs of clean socks (moisture wicking) Comfortable, protective footwear Waterproof boots for post storm cleanup Shoe inserts if you use custom orthotics Documentation: Copy of your prescriptions Doctor's contact information List of current medications Your blood sugar log and patterns Previous foot problems and treatment Store your kit in a waterproof container you can grab quickly if you need to evacuate. Footwear Preparation Pre Season Shoe Assessment Evaluate your footwear now: Do your current shoes fit properly? Are they providing adequate support? Is cushioning compressed from wear? Are there any problematic areas causing pressure? If shoes are worn out or uncomfortable, replace them now. Don't wait for hurricane season to discover inadequate footwear. Hurricane Season Footwear Strategy During Safe Times (Pre Storm): Wear supportive, comfortable shoes Maintain normal foot care routine Elevate feet when resting During/Immediately After Storm: Wear closed toe, waterproof boots to protect from debris Avoid flood water if possible If you must enter water, wash feet thoroughly afterward Change into clean, dry socks immediately Post Storm Cleanup: Wear sturdy protective footwear Avoid barefoot exposure to debris, contaminated water Check feet carefully before and after cleanup work Daily Foot Inspection Routine Make Inspection Non Negotiable With neuropathy, you might not feel early injuries. Daily inspection catches problems when they're still minor: Daily Inspection Checklist: Check bottom of feet using a mirror—look for blisters, cuts, or sores Examine tops and sides of feet Check between toes for moisture, redness, or fungal growth Inspect toenails for color changes or thickness Feel feet for temperature differences (indicating swelling or infection) Check for new calluses or areas of increased pressure Note any pain, tingling, or unusual sensations During hurricane season, do this daily without exception. If you see anything concerning, contact Dr. Sean Griffin even if it seems minor. Water Exposure Prevention and Management If Flood Water Exposure Occurs Immediately After Exposure: 1. Wash feet thoroughly with soap and clean water 2. Dry completely, especially between toes 3. Inspect for cuts, abrasions, or injuries 4. Apply antifungal powder between toes 5. Put on clean, dry socks 6. Elevate feet for 20 30 minutes For 24 48 Hours After Exposure: Do extra foot inspections (morning, midday, evening) Apply antifungal