Diabetes and Foot Health: How to Prevent Complications Before They Start
Living with diabetes comes with its challenges, but one area that often goes unnoticed is foot health. Diabetes can significantly impact your feet, leading to complications like infections, ulcers, or even amputations if left unmanaged. The good news? Most of these issues are preventable with the right care and attention.
Let’s explore how diabetes affects foot health and, more importantly, what you can do to keep your feet in top shape.
Why Diabetes Affects Foot Health
Diabetes can impact your feet in several ways:
Nerve Damage (Neuropathy):
High blood sugar levels can damage nerves, reducing sensation in your feet. This makes it harder to feel pain, cuts, or injuries, increasing the risk of unnoticed wounds.Poor Circulation:
Diabetes can narrow blood vessels, reducing blood flow to your feet. Without proper circulation, wounds heal slower, raising the risk of infections.Higher Risk of Infections:
A weakened immune system and slow healing mean that even minor injuries like blisters or cuts can turn into serious infections.
Essential Foot Care Tips for Diabetics
Taking proactive steps to care for your feet can make all the difference. Here’s how:
1. Perform Daily Foot Checks
Inspect your feet every day for cuts, blisters, swelling, or redness. Use a mirror to check the soles of your feet if needed. Catching problems early prevents them from worsening.
2. Wash and Moisturize Your Feet
Clean your feet daily with warm water and mild soap, but avoid soaking them for too long as it can lead to dryness. Apply moisturizer to prevent cracks, but skip the areas between your toes to avoid fungal infections.
3. Trim Your Toenails Carefully
Cut your toenails straight across and file the edges to avoid ingrown nails, which can lead to infections. If trimming is difficult, visit a podiatrist for professional care.
4. Wear Proper Footwear
Choose well-fitting shoes with good support and pair them with soft, breathable bamboo socks. Avoid walking barefoot to minimize the risk of injuries. Custom orthotics can also help distribute pressure evenly and provide extra comfort.
5. Manage Your Blood Sugar Levels
Keeping your blood sugar within a healthy range helps prevent nerve damage and circulation issues, reducing the risk of foot complications.
6. Schedule Regular Podiatry Visits
Regular check-ups with a podiatrist can identify and address foot issues early. A professional can assess your circulation, nerve function, and overall foot health.
Podiatrist - Mathew Millar - performing a dopplar ultrasound to assess blood flow to a diabetic patient’s feet.
When to See a Podiatrist
Certain symptoms require immediate medical attention. Contact a podiatrist if you notice:
Persistent pain or swelling in your feet.
Cuts, sores, or ulcers that aren’t healing.
Signs of infection like redness, warmth, or discharge.
Numbness or tingling sensations.
Take Control of Your Foot Health Today
Foot health is a vital part of diabetes management. By taking proactive steps and maintaining regular foot care, you can prevent complications and keep your feet healthy.
If you have diabetes, don’t wait for symptoms to appear—prioritise your foot health today. At JS Podiatry, we specialise in diabetic foot care and offer personalised treatment plans to keep your feet in the best condition possible.
📞 Call us at (08) 6263 4686 or visit our website to schedule your check-up.
Your feet deserve the best care—let us help you stay active and healthy!