Living with diabetes means paying close attention to every part of your health, and your feet are no exception. Effective diabetes management goes beyond keeping blood sugar levels in check—it also involves taking proactive steps to protect your feet, which are particularly vulnerable to complications.
Understanding the Connection Between Diabetes and Your Feet
When you have diabetes, your feet face unique challenges that require proactive care. High blood glucose levels over time can lead to two significant complications that directly impact your feet. First, diabetes can damage the nerves in your feet, a condition known as diabetic neuropathy. This means you might not feel pain, heat, or cold as you normally would. Second, diabetes can affect blood circulation, slowing down the healing process when injuries occur.
These complications create a concerning scenario: you might develop a cut, blister, or sore without even noticing it, and that minor injury could take much longer to heal than it should. This is why foot care for people with diabetes is not optional—it’s essential for preventing serious complications.
How Do You Manage Your Diabetes?
Effective diabetes management involves a comprehensive approach that includes monitoring your blood sugar, maintaining a healthy diet, staying physically active, taking prescribed medications, and, importantly, caring for your feet. Think of diabetes podiatry as an integral part of your overall health strategy, not an afterthought.
Regular foot examinations should be scheduled at least once annually with a qualified podiatrist or doctor. These check-ups can detect early warning signs of problems before they escalate into serious complications. Many cases of diabetic foot ulcer could be prevented entirely with consistent monitoring and care.
What Are the 5 Components of Diabetes Management?
While diabetes management encompasses various aspects, five key components form the foundation of effective care:
1. Blood Glucose Monitoring: Keeping your blood sugar levels within the target range helps prevent nerve damage and circulation problems that directly affect your feet.
2. Healthy Eating: A balanced diet helps control blood glucose and blood fat levels, supporting better circulation throughout your body, including your feet.
3. Regular Physical Activity: Daily exercise, even a brisk walk, keeps blood flowing efficiently around your body and to your feet, reducing the risk of circulation-related complications.
4. Medication Adherence: Taking prescribed medications as directed helps maintain stable blood sugar levels and prevents the progression of diabetes-related complications.
5. Regular Health Screenings: This includes annual foot examinations, eye checks, and other preventive care measures that catch problems early.
Daily Diabetes Care for Feet: Your Essential Routine
Protecting your feet starts with simple daily habits that can prevent major problems:
Inspect Your Feet Daily: Check your feet every day for cuts, blisters, redness, swelling, or any changes in skin colour. Use a mirror if needed to see the bottoms of your feet clearly. Look for signs of infection, such as warmth or unusual discharge.
Keep Them Clean and Dry: Wash your feet daily with lukewarm water and mild soap. Always dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes, where moisture can lead to fungal infections. If you experience excessive moisture between your toes, methylated spirits can help keep the area dry.
Moisturise Wisely: Apply cream to dry areas, particularly cracked heels, but avoid putting moisturiser between your toes, where it can create too much moisture.
Never Walk Barefoot: Always wear protective footwear, even indoors. This simple habit prevents accidental injuries that you might not feel immediately.
Improving Circulation for Better Foot Health
Poor blood circulation is a common concern in diabetes management. When blood flow to your feet decreases, even minor wounds struggle to heal properly. Here’s how to support healthy circulation:
- Keep your blood fat levels within recommended ranges
- Maintain blood glucose levels as close to normal as possible
- Quit smoking, as it narrows blood vessels and severely impacts circulation
- Exercise daily—walking is particularly beneficial for promoting blood flow
- Avoid sitting with crossed legs for extended periods
Choosing the Right Footwear
Your shoes play a crucial role in diabetes podiatry. Poor-fitting footwear can create pressure points, blisters, and sores that lead to serious complications. When shopping for shoes:
- Take your time and don’t feel pressured to buy shoes that aren’t completely comfortable
- Avoid open-toed styles and shoes with narrow toe boxes
- Have your feet measured professionally, as foot size can change over time
- Ensure shoes are long enough, wide enough, and deep enough to accommodate your feet without creating pressure points
- Shop later in the day when feet are slightly swollen to get the best fit
When Nerve Damage Affects Your Feet
Diabetic neuropathy can make your feet numb or create uncomfortable sensations like burning, tingling, or pain, particularly at night. This nerve damage puts you at higher risk for developing ulcers since you may not notice injuries when they occur.
To protect feet with damaged nerves:
- Check the bath water temperature with your elbow before stepping in
- Keep toenails trimmed, cutting them straight across and filing rough edges
- Never attempt to remove corns or calluses yourself—see a podiatrist
- Keep feet away from heaters and radiators
- Wear socks that fit well without seams that could create pressure points
The Role of Professional Diabetes Podiatry
Regular visits to a podiatrist are essential for comprehensive diabetes management. Podiatrists are specially trained to identify potential problems before they become serious and can provide expert diabetic foot ulcer treatment if needed.
You don’t need a referral to see a podiatrist, though your doctor may be able to arrange coverage through a team care arrangement. A podiatrist can professionally treat corns, calluses, and ingrown toenails safely, reducing your risk of infection and complications.
Warning Signs: When to Seek Immediate Help
Contact your doctor or podiatrist immediately if you notice:
- Pain, throbbing, or swelling in your feet
- Heat, redness, or discolouration
- A cut or sore that doesn’t heal or becomes increasingly red
- Discharge from any wound
- Changes in the shape or structure of your feet
Taking Control of Your Foot Health
Effective diabetes management requires commitment, but protecting your feet doesn’t have to be complicated. By incorporating daily foot checks, wearing appropriate footwear, maintaining good circulation, and partnering with qualified healthcare professionals, you can significantly reduce your risk of serious complications.
At Sydney Podiatry, we’re committed to supporting you in every aspect of diabetes care for feet. Whether you need routine check-ups, diabetic foot ulcer treatment, or expert advice on maintaining healthy feet, our experienced team is here to help you stay active and healthy.
