Many complications of Diabetes have an impact on your feet, so it is important to check your feet daily, wear good shoes and socks and have your feet checked by a foot specialist.

Socks:

• Wearing white socks makes it easier to see any blood or discharge on your feet

• Seamless socks can prevent blisters and areas of friction

• DO NOT wear socks with tight elastic at the top. This can constrict the vessels in the legs 

Shoes:

• It is important to have shoes that give good protection and support 

• It is recommended to wear a running or walking shoe with:

  • Laces or velcro

  • Good arch support 

  • A deep and wide toe box (lots of room for your toes- there should be 1 finger with between the longest toe and the front of the shoes)

• DO NOT go barefoot around the house or outside. This increases your risk of trauma 

Foot Hygiene:

• Wash feet daily with soap and water. Make sure to wash between the toes 

• Always make sure to dry your feet well, especially between the toes. Moisture between the toes can lead to a fungal or bacterial infection. 

• It is important to keep the skin healthy. For dry feet, use a moisturizer (but not in between the toes!)

DO NOT: 

• Try to remove corns or calluses yourself 

• Use sharp objects on the foot

• Use chemical corn removers 

Nail Care: 

• Trim the nails straight across. DO NOT cut into the corners as this could cut the skin or cause an ingrown toenail. 

• File the edges of the nail to avoid leaving any sharp edges that can get caught on your socks 

Daily Foot Checks:

Diabetes can cause damage to your nerves, which leads to less sensation, especially in your feet.

• Inspect feet every night before bed for signs of redness or swelling

• Touch your feet (top and bottom) with your hand to feel for temperature or skin changes 

• Hot or cold is bad, if your feet feel HOT please SEE A MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL as this could be a sign of infection or Charcot foot (a complication of diabetes) 

• Inspect between the toes to make sure the skin is not damaged and nothing has gotten in between. 

• If you cannot see your feet, use a mirror and against a wall or ask a family member to check for you 

• Also inspect your shoes on a regular basis to make sure there are no foreign objects in them

Foot Check-Ups:

• See a medical professional on a regular basis for a diabetic foot check up. This should include the following: 

  • Vascular: Checking the blood flow to your feet by assessing pulses and temperature 

  • Neurological: Checking the nerves to assess how much sensation is in the foot

  • Biomechanical: Checking for any deformities 

• Please keep your doctors informed of any changes in your sugar levels, loss of sensation in your feet or anything that seems abnormal to you.