Diabetes affects the nerves and blood vessels that serve the feet, making injuries harder to feel, harder to heal, and more likely to lead to serious complications. The good news: most diabetic foot problems are preventable with consistent daily care and routine podiatry visits.
Check Your Feet Every Day
Neuropathy can eliminate the pain signal in the feet — meaning you may have a cut, sore, or pressure injury without knowing it. A daily visual inspection is the single most important habit a diabetic patient can develop. Use a hand mirror if needed to check the bottom of the foot.
Look for: cuts, blisters, redness, swelling, skin breakdown, nail changes, or any area that looks different from the day before. Report anything not healing within a few days to your healthcare provider immediately.
Never Walk Barefoot
Even indoors, stepping on a sharp object or a hot surface without adequate sensation can cause an injury before you feel it. Wear good-fitting slippers or shoes at all times, including in the house. Your toes should never touch the end of your shoe.
Moisturize Daily — But Not Between the Toes
Dry, cracking skin creates entry points for infection. Apply a diabetic-appropriate moisturizer to the feet daily. Avoid applying lotion between the toes, where trapped moisture promotes fungal growth.
Never use heating pads, hot water bottles, or soak feet in very hot water if you have neuropathy. You may not be able to detect a burn before it causes serious damage.
Wear Good Fitting Shoes
Tight shoes are a leading cause of diabetic foot wounds. Have your feet measured when purchasing new shoes. Consider diabetic-specific footwear or Medicare-covered therapeutic shoes if your provider has recommended them.
Schedule Annual Podiatry Exams
At minimum, patients with diabetes should have a comprehensive foot exam once per year. More frequent visits are recommended for patients with neuropathy, circulation problems, or a history of foot ulcers.
During a diabetic foot exam, Fjerstad, DPM evaluates circulation, nerve sensation, skin and nail health, and foot structure — and coordinates with your primary care provider when concerns are identified.