Diabetes and Foot Care: Why Looking After Your Feet Is So Important
Updated: Jul 8
If you have diabetes, you've probably been told that looking after your feet is important. But you may be wondering why diabetes affects the feet and what you should actually be doing to keep them healthy.
The answer is that diabetes can affect the nerves, circulation and healing ability of the feet. While many people with diabetes never experience serious foot problems, regular foot care and early detection of issues can significantly reduce the risk of complications.
The good news is that most diabetes-related foot problems can be prevented or managed effectively with good foot care habits and regular monitoring.
In this guide, we'll explain why foot care is important if you have diabetes, what you should look out for and how to keep your feet healthy.
Why Does Diabetes Affect the Feet?
Diabetes can affect the feet in two main ways:
High blood sugar levels over time can damage the nerves that supply the feet.
This may cause:
Numbness
Tingling
Burning sensations
Reduced feeling
Pain
Difficulty detecting injuries
Reduced sensation means that cuts, blisters or pressure areas may go unnoticed.
Reduced Circulation
Diabetes can also affect blood vessels and circulation.
Reduced circulation may lead to:
Cold feet
Slower healing
Increased risk of infection
Reduced ability to recover from injury
Not everyone with diabetes develops these problems, but regular monitoring is important.
Why Is Foot Care So Important?
Your feet experience a great deal of pressure every day.
If you have diabetes and reduced sensation, you may not notice:
A blister
A cut
A pressure area
An ingrown toenail
A fungal infection
If left untreated, even small problems can become more serious.
How Often Should You Check Your Feet?
People with diabetes should aim to check their feet every day.
This allows you to identify problems before they become serious.
Look for:
Cuts
Blisters
Redness
Swelling
Cracks
Colour changes
Areas of rubbing
Changes to the nails
If you struggle to see the bottoms of your feet, using a mirror or asking someone to help may be useful.
How Should You Wash Your Feet?
Daily washing helps keep your feet healthy.
Wash Your Feet:
Once daily
Using warm (not hot) water
With mild soap
Avoid:
Very hot water
Harsh scrubbing
Soaking your feet for long periods
People with reduced sensation may not accurately judge water temperature, so checking with your hand or elbow can be helpful.
Why Is Drying Your Feet Important?
After washing, dry your feet thoroughly.
Pay particular attention to:
Between the toes
Around the nails
Areas where moisture collects
Excess moisture can increase the risk of fungal infections.
Should You Moisturise Your Feet?
Yes.
Dry skin is common in people with diabetes and can lead to cracking.
Apply moisturiser daily to:
The soles of the feet
The heels
Dry areas of skin
Avoid applying cream between the toes, as excess moisture can encourage fungal growth.
What About Toenail Care?
Toenails should be:
Trimmed regularly
Cut straight across where possible
Filed gently if needed
If you have:
Reduced sensation
Poor circulation
Difficulty reaching your feet
Thickened nails
it may be safer to seek professional foot care advice.
What Footwear Should You Wear?
Appropriate footwear plays an important role in preventing foot problems.
Shoes should be:
Comfortable
Supportive
Well-fitting
Wide enough for your feet
Avoid shoes that:
Rub
Cause pressure
Are too tight
Have damaged linings
It's also a good idea to check the inside of your shoes before putting them on.
Should You Walk Barefoot?
Generally, people with diabetes are advised to avoid walking barefoot.
This includes:
Indoors
Outdoors
On the beach
Around swimming pools
Walking barefoot increases the risk of cuts, splinters and burns.
What Foot Problems Are More Common in Diabetes?
People with diabetes may be more likely to experience:
Dry skin
Ingrown toenails
Foot ulcers
Circulatory problems
Early treatment often leads to better outcomes.
What Are the Warning Signs to Look Out For?
You should seek advice promptly if you notice:
A wound that is not healing
Redness
Swelling
Warmth
Discharge
Increasing pain
Black or discoloured skin
Changes in sensation
These symptoms should never be ignored.
How Often Should You Have a Diabetic Foot Check?
You should have a diabetic foot check annually.
This assessment may include:
Checking circulation
Testing sensation
Assessing foot structure
Identifying risk factors
If you are considered higher risk, you may require more frequent monitoring.
Final Thoughts
Looking after your feet is an important part of managing diabetes.
While complications can occur, most diabetes-related foot problems can be prevented through regular foot checks, good foot care habits and early treatment when problems arise.
Taking a few minutes each day to check and care for your feet can make a significant difference to your long-term foot health. If you have any concerns about your feet, seeking professional advice promptly is always the safest approach.
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