WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Living with diabetes, even under control means paying extra attention to your feet.
Fluctuation in blood flow and nerve function can make you more prone to infections or slow-healing wounds, and in severe situations, this may lead to
partial or full amputation.
The reassuring part is that most of these problems can be prevented with
vigilant and consistent care.
WHY DIABETES AFFECTS YOUR FEET
Diabetes can affect different parts of the body, but the feet are especially vulnerable as they take body weight during weight bearing physical activities. Two common complications play a major role:
1. Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)
PAD slows down the blood supply to your legs and feet. When circulation is poor, even minor cuts or sores take longer to heal, giving infections a chance to develop.
2. Diabetic Neuropathy
High blood sugar can damage nerves over time, reducing your ability to feel pain, heat, or injury. A small blister or sharp object in your shoe might go completely unnoticed, which means the problem can worsen before you realise it.
Both of these conditions can set the stage for serious infections. Other factors--like chronic foot ulcers, old fractures, toenail infections, bunions, corns, or thick calluses—can increase your risk even further.
HOW TO LOWER YOUR RISK
Good foot care is not complicated, but it does require consistency. These steps can make a significant difference:
• Keep your health conditions under control
Managing your diabetes, blood pressure, and cholesterol improves circulation and reduces your risk of foot complications.
• Check your feet every day
Look for anything unusual--cuts, redness, swelling, blisters, cracks, colour changes, warm areas, or ingrown nails. If it’s hard for you to inspect your feet, ask a family member for help. And if something doesn’t seem right, don’t wait—contact your doctor.
• Quit smoking
Smoking tightens blood vessels and slows healing. Stopping can greatly improve how well your feet recover from everyday wear and tear.
• Stay active
Movement keeps your blood flowing and helps control your sugar levels.
Here are a few easy ways to stay active:
- Take a short exercise walk frequently every day
- Do simple stretching and foot exercises at home
- Try low-impact activities such as swimming or cycling
If you're unsure which activities are safe for you, our team of physiotherapists can help you choose exercises that fit your abilities.
• Choose the right footwear
During physical activity, shoes with heel control and mid foot stability prevent from imbalance, protect your feet from injuries that could turn into more serious issues. Avoid tight ill fitting, open-toed, or unsupportive footwear.
Look for shoes with:
- A closed, deep and wide toe box and protective design with a soft, seamless lining
- Firm support around the heel and ankle and provide all around stability
- Enough space to prevent pressure points
- Avoid wearing slip on shoes, the foot sliding may cause irritation to the feet and you may develop corn, calluses, blisters, dry cracked skin. And if the toe nails bang in the front of the shoes then you may develop fungal infection, ingrown toe nails, etc.
Some people benefit from customised diabetic footwear. If you’re not sure whether you need it, we can guide you during your visit.
• Visit your doctor regularly
A yearly foot exam by a foot specialist i.e. podiatrist is essential, and if you already have nerve damage, more frequent check-ins may be needed as a preventive measure.
TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR FOOT HEALTH
Healthy feet start with daily habits and timely medical support. If you’re living with diabetes or have any concerns about your foot health, our clinic is here to help. Book a visit with us—we’re committed to keeping you comfortable, active, and well-supported.
