10 Footcare Tips For People
With Diabetes

If you have diabetes, your feet might not receive enough blood. Over time, this can cause peripheral neuropathy, which is a loss of feeling.

You may not notice foot injuries because you don't feel them, and the condition can also prevent foot injuries from healing normally.

tip 1:

Check your feet every day

Look at your feet, including the soles, when you put your socks on in the morning and take them off at the end of the day. If you have limited mobility or limited vision, you could ask someone to do it for you or use magnifying mirrors.

See your doctor or podiatrist if:

task_altThe skin on your foot changes color

task_altYou have swelling or redness in your foot around an injury or blister

task_altYou notice discharge seeping from a wound

task_altYou can't feel any sensation when you or someone else touches your toes

Tip 2:

Check that your shoes fit properly

Poor-fitting shoes can cause numerous foot problems, including corns, calluses, nail problems, and ulcers. Choose shoes that:

task_altHave a low or flat heel

task_altAre wide fitting (but not so wide that your feet slide around)

task_altHave a rounded, deep toe area

Tip 3:

Try to avoid sitting or standing with your legs crossed

This can reduce blood flow to your lower legs and feet.

Tip 4:

Cut your toenails regularly

Cut your toenails straight across, not down the side. Cut them with nail clippers, then use an emery board to smooth the corners. Take your time when cutting your nails to avoid nicking your skin.

Tip 5:

Get prompt treatment for hard skin or corns

Don't try to treat corns or hard skin yourself with plasters or blades because these can injure your skin. See a podiatrist instead.

Tip 6:

Do not walk barefoot

Wear well-fitting shoes and socks whenever possible. Going barefoot increases your risk of cuts and grazes, which may become infected. It's especially important to avoid going barefoot when out of doors.

Tip 7:

Keep your feet clean

Wash your feet daily using warm water and gentle soap. Avoid soaking your feet because prolonged contact with water can make your skin softer and more vulnerable to injury.

Tip 8:

Don't use your feet to test the temperature of water

For example, don't dip your big toe into a bath of water to check the temperature. If the water is very hot, you may burn the skin of your feet without noticing.

Tip 9:

Give up smoking

Smoking impairs circulation, especially if you have diabetes, and can make leg and foot problems worse. Don't be discouraged if it takes you a few attempts to quit; this is normal.

Tip 10:

Attend your annual diabetes review

Smoking impairs circulation, especially if you have diabetes, and can make leg and foot problems worse. Don't be discouraged if it takes you a few attempts to quit; this is normal.

Daily Affirmation: Caring for myself is a lifelong project.

*This is not a substitute for advice from your physician or other healthcare professional. You should always consult with a healthcare professional before making any significant adjustment to a dietary, exercise, or supplementation program, before taking any medication, or if you have or suspect you might have a health concern.