If you’re living with diabetes, it’s really important to take care of your health.

This includes looking after your feet as diabetes can affect the nerves, blood and circulation, making it harder for cuts to heal.

We take you through looking after your feet — and general health — when you’re diabetic.

Why is foot care important for diabetics?

If you are living with diabetes, you are more likely to have problems with your feet.

This is because the condition can damage the nerves in the feet, which means you are less sensitive to sensations like heat, cold and pain. So you may not notice a small cut or blister until it gets infected or becomes a problem.

If you have diabetes, you may also have poor blood flow, which increases your chance of developing ulcers on your feet.

And when ulcers or other wounds to the feet don’t heal properly, they may become infected and hard to treat. In some cases, this can even lead to amputation of your foot or part of your leg to stop the infection from spreading and threatening your life.

That’s why diabetic foot care is important so you can identify and treat any problems before they get serious.

How can I take care of my feet?

It’s important to get into a good routine of checking your feet and keeping up with any healthcare appointments to avoid serious problems. Here’s how.

Diabetic foot care at home

  • Check your feet every day for signs of any cuts, swelling, redness, blisters or any other changes. If it’s difficult for you to see the bottom of your feet, use a mirror or ask a household member to help you.
  • Wash your feet every day in warm water, but take care not to soak them. Dry them properly and apply lotion, avoiding the area between the toes as this could trigger an infection.
  • Always wear shoes or other suitable footwear outdoors and slippers in the house. Your footwear should fit well and not pinch or rub your feet. Don’t go barefoot as you could risk injuring your feet.
  • Keep your toenails trimmed and cut them straight across the top, filing down any rough edges. If it’s difficult for you, ask someone to help or see a podiatrist (foot doctor).
  • Boost your blood circulation by putting your feet up when you’re sitting down and wriggling your toes for a few moments. Repeat throughout the day.

When you should get medical help

You should attend your regular healthcare appointments with your diabetes specialist doctor or nurse. They will understand the importance of diabetic foot care and will check your feet to ensure they are healthy.

If you experience any of the following problems, you shouldn’t wait for your next appointment but see a medical professional straight away:

  • Changes to the colour or temperature of your feet
  • Loss of sensation in your feet
  • Pain, burning or tingling in your feet
  • A change in the shape of your feet
  • Dry or cracked skin on your feet
  • Thick or yellow toenails
  • Any sore, blister, ulcer, infected corn or ingrown toenail
  • A fungal infection between your toes
  • Pain in your legs or cramping in your legs or buttocks when you are physically active
  • Hair loss on your toes, feet or lower legs

More tips on living well with diabetes

When you have diabetes, your health and wellbeing is really important. Follow our tips to keep healthy while living with diabetes:

  • Stick to a healthy, balanced diet, full of fruit, vegetables and fibre, and avoid processed and sugary food.
  • Keep active. Try to aim for 30 minutes of activity, which makes you breathe a bit harder and sweat a few times a week.
  • Stop smoking. Smoking can increase your chance of nerve damage and foot problems when you are diabetic, as well as making you more vulnerable to serious conditions like heart disease and stroke.
  • Wear a diabetic wristband. This is a special wristband that includes information about your condition and any medication you take. If you prefer, you can wear a badge that says you are living with diabetes or a necklace that can be engraved for your condition. Knowing that in the event of an emergency you will get the correct care will help give you the confidence to live your best life.

Live life to the full with diabetes

If you have diabetes, there’s no reason why you can’t live life to the full.

As long as you take care of your health — including looking after your feet — you should be able to do everything you want to.

Why not be proactive and get into a great foot care routine to keep you mobile and healthy?

You can also take simple steps like eating a healthy diet and wearing a medical ID to give you the confidence to live an active life.

Check out our entire range of pre-printed and customisable med alerts and IDs. They’re designed to help you do what you do best — enjoying your life to the max!

And you can find out more about diabetes and foot care on the Diabetes Australia website.