Diabetic Foot Care - What You Need to Know
- Abigail Rappa, DPM
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Diabetes mellitus is a disease that affects the body’s ability to process sugar (also known as blood glucose), resulting in abnormally high blood sugar levels (1). This is a serious condition that affects the entire body, including the legs and feet. When blood sugar levels are too high, blood vessels are damaged, resulting in reduced blood flow and impaired nerve function (2). Approximately one-third of people with diabetes will develop a foot wound (or ulcer), and half of these wounds will become infected (3). If an infection becomes severe, it may lead to the loss of a limb. An amputation decreases quality of life and reduces life expectancy (3). It is important for diabetics to take preventative steps in order to avoid long-term foot problems.
Uncontrolled blood sugar levels can lead to diabetic neuropathy, a condition in which nerve damage in the legs and feet causes numbness, tingling, or a “pins and needles” sensation (4). This loss of feeling may prevent a diabetic from noticing a foot injury until it becomes infected, and poor blood flow may make these injuries harder to heal (5). Nerve damage can also change the shape of the foot, causing discomfort and further damage to the foot if proper shoes are not worn (5). For these reasons, it is important to check the feet daily to monitor changes.
Diabetic foot care is important to prevent loss of mobility and amputation. The American Diabetes Association recommends to check feet daily, including between the toes, and to monitor for open wounds, redness, blisters, swelling, or new calluses (6). It is also important to wash the feet daily with warm (not hot) soapy water and to dry thoroughly afterward, especially between the toes. Apply moisturizer to the skin to prevent dryness and cracks (avoid putting moisturizer between the toes), and trim nails regularly. Wear proper shoes, both indoors and outdoors, for protection. Good shoes should be big enough for the toes, not put pressure on any areas, and have a padded insole (7). In addition to daily foot care, a diabetic should see a foot specialist (podiatrist) at least once a year, or more often if considered high risk (7).
Prevention is the best way to avoid long-term foot complications due to diabetes. Daily foot inspections are key to recognizing problems early, and this preventative care has been shown to prevent diabetic foot ulcers and amputations (5). Other preventative measures include maintaining a healthy weight, exercising, controlling blood pressure, and not smoking. Regular visits with a diabetic’s healthcare team are also important to prevent long-term complications from this disease. It is important to seek urgent medical care if any signs of a serious issue arise, including areas of redness, open wounds, or new pain.
References:
1. Sapra A, Bhandari P. Diabetes. [Updated 2023 Jun 21]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551501/
2. Brutsaert E. Diabetes mellitus (DM). Merck Manual Consumer Version. Published October 2023. Updated November 2023. Accessed March 26, 2025. https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/hormonal-and-metabolic-disorders/diabetes-mellitus-dm-and-disorders-of-blood-sugar-metabolism/diabetes-mellitus-dm#Types-of-Diabetes_v772819.
3. Armstrong DG, Swerdlow MA, Armstrong AA, Conte MS, Padula WV, Bus SA. Five-year mortality and direct costs of care for people with diabetic foot complications are comparable to cancer. J Foot Ankle Res. 2020;13(1):16. Published March 24, 2020. doi:10.1186/s13047-020-00383-2.
4. Cole JB, Florez JC. Genetics of diabetes mellitus and diabetes complications. Nat Rev Nephrol. 2020;16(7):377-390. doi:10.1038/s41581-020-0278-5.
5. American Diabetes Association. Foot care tips. American Diabetes Association. https://diabetes.org/health-wellness/diabetes-and-your-feet/foot-care-tips. Published 2023. Accessed March 31, 2025.
6. American Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee. 12. Retinopathy, neuropathy, and foot care: Standards of care in diabetes—2025. Diabetes Care. 2025;48(Suppl 1):S252-S265. doi:10.2337/dc25-S012.
7. Morbach S, Eckhard M, Lobmann R, et al. Diabetic foot syndrome. Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes. 2023;131(1-02):84-93. doi:10.1055/a-1946-3838.