When you were diagnosed with diabetes, you were probably told to look after your feet. But what does that actually mean? Here's why foot care matters and the simple daily habits that keep your feet healthy.
Why do I need to look after my feet?
Over time, diabetes can affect the nerves and blood flow in your feet. Diabetes is one of the leading causes of lower-limb amputation in the US, and most amputations start with a foot ulcer. The good news is that many of these can be prevented with daily care and early treatment.
Diabetes can affect your feet by:
- Damaging nerves (neuropathy), which makes it harder to feel cuts, blisters or other injuries
- Reducing blood flow, which can slow healing
- Increasing the risk of infection
These problems are more likely if you've had diabetes for a long time, if your glucose has been high for long periods, if you smoke or if you're inactive.
What does looking after my feet mean?
- Having a daily foot care routine (see below).
- Getting a comprehensive foot exam at least once a year from your doctor or podiatrist, and having your feet checked at every diabetes visit.
- Seeing a podiatrist more often if your feet are high risk, for example if you've had an ulcer or amputation or have reduced feeling or blood flow. You can find one through the American Podiatric Medical Association or ask your doctor for a referral.
- Treating any injury straight away and getting medical advice if it isn't improving within 24 hours.
Your daily foot care checklist
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Check your feet every day. Look for redness, swelling, cuts, blisters, cracked skin, corns, calluses or ingrown toenails, especially between your toes and on your heels and soles. Use a mirror or ask someone to help if you can't see them well.
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Keep them clean. Wash your feet daily in warm (not hot) water and dry them well, including between your toes.
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Moisturize. Use a moisturizer to prevent dry, cracked skin, but not between your toes, where extra moisture can lead to fungal infections.
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Trim nails carefully. Cut straight across and file sharp edges. If you can't reach or see your feet well, ask a podiatrist.
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Skip home treatments. Don't treat corns or calluses yourself with over-the-counter removers. See your podiatrist instead.
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Wear diabetes-friendly socks. Look for flat seams, non-binding tops, light cushioning and moisture-wicking fabric. Glucology diabetes socks are made with antimicrobial copper-infused yarn alongside moisture-wicking fabric that helps your feet feel fresh and dry all day.
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Choose shoes that fit. Shoes should protect your feet without pressure or rubbing. If your feet are high risk, your podiatrist may recommend special shoes or inserts, which Medicare Part B may cover if you qualify.
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Check inside your shoes. Shake them out before putting them on.
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Don't go barefoot, even at home.
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Protect your feet from heat. Wear warm socks rather than putting your feet near heaters, hot water bottles or heating pads.
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Get help early. Even a minor infection can become serious with diabetes.
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Don't smoke. Smoking reduces blood flow to your feet. For free help quitting, call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669).
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Keep your glucose in range and keep moving. Both help protect your nerves and circulation over time.
For more detail, see the NIDDK guide to diabetes and foot problems.
Make foot care a daily habit, get your feet checked regularly and seek help early if you notice a problem. Your feet will thank you.
Adapted from an article by Dr. Kate Marsh, PhD, dietitian and credentialed diabetes educator.
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.
