One of the big problems diabetes face is amputations. Circulation in diabetics tends to be poor, which makes healing and feeling in the extremities–usually feet–an issue. What happens is that a diabetic may get a foot injury and not even know it. High blood sugar tends to be inviting to bacteria, so it’s just asking for infection to set in, and without normal circulation, healing tends to be poor.

So it’s really critical that diabetics avoid foot injuries, then care for them as best they can. What starts as a little blister or nick can end up costing a foot–or more.

This past week I injured both feet in a few ways. First, I locked myself out of my truck at the local post office, ending up with me walking home to get a spare key and back to the truck–three miles–with slippers on. I developed a blister on the top of my left foot.

Then yesterday I played basketball for the first time in a long time and subsequently killed my right big toenail. It’s still hanging on, but there’s no question it’ll fall off at some point in the relatively near future.

Both of these are going to require some attention. I’ll keep watching them over the next few weeks while they heal.