Medically Reviewed by Michael Dansinger, MD on January 28, 2023
Diabetes Foot Care Is In Your Hands

Diabetes Foot Care Is In Your Hands

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If your toes are tingly, cracked or sore, if your feet are numb, cold or prone to infection, you could have diabetes-related foot problems. One study found that as many as 50 percent of people with diabetes have nerve damage to their feet, but you don't have to be one of them. The following quick tips can help keep your feet in fine form.

Diabetes Foot Care: 4 Quick Tips

Diabetes Foot Care: 4 Quick Tips

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Make caring for your feet part of your daily routine and you can prevent diabetes foot problems before they start. These simple steps, explained in the next slides, take just minutes:

  1. Prevent blood sugar spikes.
  2. Inspect your feet daily.
  3. Protect your feet from injury.
  4. Get help when you have problems or questions.
Inspect Your Feet Daily

Inspect Your Feet Daily

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Your feet do a lot for you, so give a little back. Look them over twice a day, checking for cuts, cracks, calluses, sores, bunions, blisters, ingrown toenails or redness — and check between toes, too. Use a mirror to help if bending is difficult. See a problem? Talk to your doctor right away.

Protect Your Feet

Protect Your Feet

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To keep feet in good condition, wash them daily with mild soap and warm water and then dry them carefully — between the toes as well. Apply a little lotion on tops and bottoms to keep skin moist and prevent the cracks that can invite infection. Finally, wear well-fitting, comfortable shoes that protect your feet and can help prevent sores, corns, blisters and other problems.

Prevent Blood Sugar Spikes

Prevent Blood Sugar Spikes

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High blood sugar that remains unchecked raises your risk of poor blood flow and nerve damage to your feet, which can make you prone to foot numbness, sores and lingering infections. If not caught in time, foot ulcers and infections can turn serious, leading to gangrene, and even amputation of a toe, foot or leg.

Get Help: Talk to Your Doctor

Get Help: Talk to Your Doctor

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Regular checkups are a big part of foot care when you've got diabetes. To prevent problems before they start, see your doctor for a full foot exam at least once a year. If your feet are numb or tingling or have slow-healing sores or other problems, call your doctor right away.

Hot and Cold Dos and Don'ts

Hot and Cold Dos and Don'ts

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Diabetes can leave feet much less sensitive to hot and cold, so:

  • DO protect feet from temperature extremes.
  • DON'T use heating pads or electric blankets on your feet.
  • DO wear shoes at the beach and on hot pavement.
  • DO wash your feet in lukewarm water with a mild soap.
Shoe and Toenail Tips

Shoe and Toenail Tips

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  • Wear comfortable, well-fitting shoes; avoid heels and pointed, tight, or open-toed shoes.
  • Avoid seamed socks or stockings, which can cause pressure points.
  • Look for canvas, leather or suede shoes; avoid materials that make feet sweaty.
  • Keep toenails trimmed; cut nails straight across, and don't cut into the corners.
Simple Steps for Staying Healthy

Simple Steps for Staying Healthy

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Taking care of your whole body helps you care for your feet, too. You can do that by sticking to your diabetes meal plan, checking your blood sugar, limiting alcohol, and not smoking. Getting 30 minutes of physical activity most days will not only help to reduce excess weight, but it can also reduce triglyceride levels, blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels.

Common Doesn't Mean Inevitable

Common Doesn't Mean Inevitable

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Diabetes foot problems are common, but there's a lot you can do to avoid them. Make your health care provider your partner in prevention, and you can keep your feet healthy and take control of your diabetes today — and every day.