If you are diabetic, it is important not only to take care of yourself -- the way you eat and exercise -- but to also pay attention to the condition of your feet.

A diabetic's feet are prone to problems because, in some cases, feeling can be lost and the development of blisters may go unnoticed, causing infection.

Normally, your body turns food into sugar, which in turn provides the fuel you need for daily living. But to breakdown these sugars your body needs insulin, which is produced by the pancreas gland.

A person with diabetes does not produce enough insulin or is unable to use the insulin produced by the pancreas, resulting in unused sugar remaining in the blood or being passed in urine.

According to the Diabetes Centre, common symptoms of diabetes are: feeling tired and thirsty, frequent trips to the bathroom -- especially at night and blurred vision.

On the other hand, you may have been feeling quite well and can't understand how you have diabetes. Even if you have no obvious symptoms (of diabetes) the fact that your blood sugars are higher means diabetes. A normal blood sugar (count) is between 70 and 110, recommends King Edward VII Memorial Hospital's Diabetes Centre.

"How do you lower your blood sugar level? You will be advised how to change your eating habits and to exercise everyday. Some people will need diabetes medication,'' the centre recommends.

Diabetes is a serious disease and can affect all parts of your body. High blood sugars, if not lowered, can cause blindness, kidney failure, heart disease, and lead to amputation.

Sports R' Us is one of the few places on the Island that carry a good selection of walking shoes and they take special care in measuring the foot to make sure the shoe fits. They also carry the Thorlo brand of hiking socks, which are recommended for diabetics.

It is important that diabetics have a shoe that gives good support and is big enough that it does not cause any friction or have a seam over the toe. This is important because (diabetics) can develop neuropathy -when they loose feeling in their toes and feet. If they get soars or blisters on their feet they may not realise it and that can lead to an infection.

Debbie Jones, diabetic coordinator said, "Blood should be tested regularly. There is a test that we do every three months called haemoglobin A1c that tells us how the blood sugar has been for the last three months.'' The test measures the amount of glucose attached to the red blood cells, and if the patient is on medication they need to take it as advised by their physician.

"We encourage people to test their blood sugar at home using a blood glucose monitor, and they can use that information to see the effects of various food, exercise, and if the medication is working.'' In addition there are various types of exercises diabetics can do, such as walking, jogging, swimming, dancing, or using stationary exercise equipment.

The key is being more active every day -- whether you are at home or at work.

Health professionals urge patients to think physically, taking small tasks around the home or the office and getting the most health mileage from them.

Small things like taking the stairs instead of the elevator, or hanging the clothes out on the line instead of dumping them into a dryer.