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Your feet probably aren't something you think about every day. But when you're managing diabetes, giving them a little extra attention can become an important part of your everyday routine.
Diabetes can affect the nerves and blood vessels in the feet over time. Reduced sensation can mean you don't always notice a small cut, blister or other injury, while reduced blood flow can make it harder for injuries to heal. The good news is that simple, consistent foot care can help you spot changes early and reduce the risk of complications.
So, what does good diabetes foot care actually look like?
From checking your feet each day to choosing comfortable socks and shoes, here are seven practical habits that can help you look after your feet.
Looking after your overall diabetes management is part of looking after your feet.
Over time, blood glucose levels outside your target range can contribute to damage to the nerves and blood vessels in your feet. This can affect sensation, circulation and the way your feet respond to injuries.
Following the management plan you've developed with your healthcare team, taking prescribed medications and staying physically active can all be part of caring for your overall health.
If you're finding it difficult to keep your blood glucose levels within your personal targets, speak with your doctor or diabetes healthcare team. You don't have to figure it out alone.
Everyday takeaway: Foot health isn't separate from diabetes care. It's one small part of the bigger picture.
A daily foot check only takes a minute or two, but it can help you notice changes before they become bigger problems.
Get to know what your feet normally look and feel like, then look for anything different. Things that you should check:
If you can't easily see the bottoms of your feet, use a mirror or ask someone you trust to help.
Don't ignore a change just because it doesn't hurt. Reduced sensation can mean that some foot injuries aren't felt straight away.
Seek treatment promptly for problems such as ulcers, unusual swelling, redness, blisters, ingrown nails, bruising or cuts.
Everyday takeaway: Make checking your feet part of an existing routine, such as after your shower or before getting dressed.
Wash your feet daily with warm water and soap, then dry them carefully. Pay particular attention to the spaces between your toes, as trapped moisture can contribute to skin breakdown and fungal infections.
If your skin is dry, moisturizing can help keep it soft and reduce the chance of cracks developing. However, avoid applying moisturizer between your toes, this area is best kept dry.
It can also be tempting to use very hot water, especially during colder weather. But if you have reduced sensation in your feet, you may not notice that water or another heat source is too hot.
Everyday takeaway: Think of foot care as a simple three-step routine: wash, dry, moisturize.
Socks might seem like a small detail, but the right pair can make everyday foot care more comfortable.
When choosing socks, look for features such as:
It's also a good idea to change your socks regularly, particularly if they become damp or sweaty. Choose clean socks or stockings without rough seams, and avoid tight socks or stockings.
For an everyday option, Glucology copper socks are designed with a non-binding top, comfortable construction, cushioning around the heel and toe, and moisture-wicking materials. The copper-infused yarn is also designed to help keep feet feeling fresh.
The goal isn't to find a "magic" pair of socks, it's to find socks that feel comfortable and work well as part of your everyday routine.
Want to know more about copper socks and diabetes foot care? Read our guide.
Everyday takeaway: Your socks should feel comfortable on your feet, not leave painful marks or create unnecessary rubbing.
The right shoes can help protect your feet from everyday bumps, friction and injuries. Look for shoes that:
Before putting your shoes on, check inside them for small objects, rough areas or damaged lining that could rub against your skin. Check that shoes have enough length, width and depth and are free from anything that could cause injury.
And while walking barefoot around the house might feel perfectly normal, protecting your feet with appropriate footwear can help reduce the chance of unnoticed injuries.
Everyday takeaway: Comfortable shoes aren't only about style. Think of them as part of protecting your feet too.
When trimming your nails, cut them straight across rather than cutting deeply into the corners. Gently file any sharp edges, and avoid cutting them too short.
If you have difficulty seeing, reaching or safely trimming your toenails, don't struggle through it yourself. Ask your healthcare professional or podiatrist for advice.
It's also worth paying attention to changes in your nails, particularly changes in color, thickness or the skin around the nail.
Everyday takeaway: Take your time when trimming your nails. A few extra minutes can help you avoid unnecessary irritation or injury.
Even if your feet look and feel fine, regular professional checks are an important part of diabetes foot care.
Your doctor, podiatrist or other healthcare professional can assess things you may not be able to check yourself, including circulation, sensation, reflexes, foot shape and the condition of your skin and toenails.
The American Diabetes Association recommends a comprehensive foot exam at least once a year. People with higher-risk feet may need checks more frequently, depending on their individual circumstances.
Your healthcare team can help you understand your individual level of foot risk and how often you should have your feet checked.
Everyday takeaway: Don't wait for a foot problem before talking about your foot health.
If you notice a new or unusual change in your feet, don't wait for it to become painful before getting advice.
Seek prompt medical attention if you notice things such as:
Seek urgent professional advice for signs such as infection, skin breakdown, new pain, swelling or changes in foot temperature or color.
If you're unsure whether something needs attention, it's always better to ask your healthcare professional.
The most important thing is to know your feet. When you know what is normal for you, you're more likely to notice when something changes, and early attention can make a difference.
Your feet carry you through thousands of everyday moments. They deserve a little care along the way.
1. How often should I check my feet if I have diabetes?
It's recommended that people with diabetes check their feet every day. Look for changes such as cuts, blisters, redness, swelling, cracks, sores, changes in color or changes in sensation.
2. Why is foot care important when you have diabetes?
Diabetes can affect the nerves and blood vessels in the feet over time. Reduced sensation may make injuries harder to notice, while reduced blood flow can affect healing. Regular foot care helps you identify changes early.
3. What type of socks are best for people with diabetes?
Look for comfortable socks that aren't tight, don't rub and don't have rough seams. Moisture-wicking materials can also help keep feet dry.
4. Should I moisturize my feet if I have diabetes?
Yes, moisturizing can help prevent dry skin and cracks. However, avoid putting moisturizer between your toes, as this area should be kept dry.
5. How should I cut my toenails if I have diabetes?
Toenails should generally be cut straight across rather than deeply into the corners. File sharp edges gently and ask a healthcare professional or podiatrist for help if you have difficulty seeing or reaching your feet.
6. When should I see a podiatrist?
Regular professional foot checks are recommended for people with diabetes. You should also seek professional advice promptly if you notice a wound, ulcer, swelling, redness, discharge, changes in color or temperature, or other unusual changes.
7. Can I walk barefoot if I have diabetes?
Protecting your feet with appropriate footwear can help reduce the risk of injury. If you have reduced sensation or other foot-risk factors, speak with your healthcare professional about the safest footwear choices for you.
Explore our blog for more tips and resources.
Glucology is an Australian-owned brand, founded in Sydney in 2016. Trusted by 350,000+ customers worldwide, we design practical everyday accessories for people managing diabetes, including insulin cooling pouches, insulin pump belts and diabetes travel cases.
General information, not medical advice. Always talk to your diabetes care team about your care.
