Diabetes and Your Feet

Many people have diabetes and don't know it. Changes in the feeling or shape of the feet may be the first sign of diabetes. Diabetes can cause high blood sugar levels, which can lead to foot problems.

High blood sugar can:

  • Take away the feeling in your feet
  • Reduce blood flow to the feet
  • Make it harder for a sore to heal
  • Increase the chance of infection

A blister or cut on your foot can lead to a serious infection. Infection may cause you to lose a toe, a foot or a leg.

Listen to Your Feet

You can prevent many foot problems with good foot care. Signs that should not be ignored are:

  • A burning feeling
  • A numb or tingling feeling
  • Sores or cuts that will not heal
  • Pain when your feet touch bedsheets, pants or socks
  • Feet feeling cold
  • Leg cramps at night
  • Corns and calluses
  • Changes in the shape of the foot or the toes

How to Care for Your Feet

  • Wash your feet daily
  • Use warm water and mild soap
  • Dry feet with a soft towel
  • Dry between the toes

Check your feet every day for:

  • Skin cracks
  • Blisters
  • Sores
  • Infection

Clip your toenails carefully:

  • Clip straight across
  • Don't trim too short or let them get too long
  • Use an emery board to smooth down rough edges
  • Ask a foot-care doctor (podiatrist) or family doctor to help if your nails are thick or hard to cut
  • If skin is dry, use lotion on your feet
  • Use lotion with water and lanolin
  • Do not put lotion between your toes
  • If your feet sweat, dust them with a cornstarch-based powder