Taking a Step in the Right Direction: Essential Foot Care for People with Diabetes

Living with diabetes involves more than just managing blood sugar. One of the most overlooked yet critical areas of diabetes care is foot health. It might sound surprising, but your feet can be a window into your overall well-being—and for people with diabetes, they’re particularly vulnerable.

In this blog, we'll walk through why diabetic foot care matters, what you can do to prevent complications, and when to seek professional help.

Why Foot Care Is Crucial for People with Diabetes

Diabetes can damage nerves and reduce blood flow, particularly to your legs and feet. This makes it harder to feel injuries and slower for wounds to heal. A small blister or cut can quickly become infected, leading to serious complications like ulcers, and in severe cases, even amputation.

According to the CDC, about 1 in 5 people with diabetes will develop a foot ulcer in their lifetime. The good news? Most of these problems are preventable with daily care and attention.

Daily Foot Care Tips

You don’t have to spend hours—just a few minutes a day can go a long way.

1. Check Your Feet Every Day

Look for cuts, blisters, redness, swelling, or nail problems. Use a mirror or ask someone for help if you have trouble seeing the bottoms of your feet.

2. Wash and Dry Carefully

Clean your feet daily in warm (not hot) water. Be gentle, and dry thoroughly—especially between your toes—to prevent fungal infections.

3. Moisturize (But Not Between the Toes)

Dry skin can crack and invite infection. Use a fragrance-free lotion, but avoid applying it between your toes, where too much moisture can lead to fungal growth.

4. Trim Toenails with Care

Cut them straight across and file the edges. If you have vision problems or thick nails, see a podiatrist.

5. Wear Proper Footwear

Avoid walking barefoot. Choose well-fitting shoes with a wide toe box, soft insoles, and no pressure points. Diabetic-specific shoes and socks can offer extra protection.

Red Flags to Watch For

See a healthcare provider immediately if you notice:

• A sore or blister that isn’t healing

• Swelling, redness, or warmth (signs of infection)

• Foul odor from a wound

• Numbness or tingling

• Changes in skin color

Partnering with Your Healthcare Team

Regular check-ups with your doctor or podiatrist are vital. They can help monitor changes, trim nails safely, and treat minor issues before they become major ones. If you have neuropathy (nerve damage), you may not feel pain from an injury, making these visits even more important.

Final Step: Prevention Is Power

Caring for your feet doesn’t just prevent complications—it improves your quality of life. Small daily habits, paired with regular medical care, can keep your feet healthy and strong.

If you or a loved one is living with diabetes, start building a foot care routine today. It’s one of the most powerful steps you can take—literally and figuratively—toward a healthier future.

Your feet carry you through life. Take care of them, and they’ll take care of you.