Diabetes and Foot Health: Essential Tips to Avoid Complications

Diabetes isn’t just a matter of managing blood sugar levels and counting carbs

Friday, 14 March 2025

it’s a demanding chronic condition that can take a toll over time. Living with diabetes is practically a full-time job, and, unfortunately, your feet might find it hard to keep pace. But don’t worry! We're here to share essential tips on how to maintain healthy, functional feet while steering clear of any nasty complications. So, find a comfy spot to sit (and kick off your shoes) as we delve into Arbor-Ypsi Foot & Ankle Centers’ key recommendations for keeping your feet nourished and free from issues.

How Diabetes Can Affect Your Feet

Let’s break it down - diabetes and foot problems go together like bad reality TV and drama. Not ideal. Here are some of the ways that diabetes can affect your feet:

• Diabetic Neuropathy - High blood sugar can severely affect your nerves, leaving you with tingling, burning, or (worst of all) zero feeling in your feet. This condition is known as diabetic neuropathy and can result in severe complications if not properly managed.

• Poor Circulation - Your blood flow takes a hit with diabetes, making your feet the last stop on the circulation train. Less circulation = slow-healing wounds, which leaves your feet susceptible to becoming infected easily.

• Ulcers - If you’ve ever thought it’s just a little scratch, think again. That tiny cut on your foot could turn into an ulcer, and an ulcer could lead to major trouble like infections, hospital visits, and other painful issues.

• Change in Foot Shape - Sounds weird, right? But over time, nerve damage can cause deformities like hammertoes, bunions, and Charcot foot (a rare but disabling condition). 

How to Keep Your Feet Happy and Healthy

You take care of your hair and your skin, so now it’s time to show your feet some love. Here are some of the best ways to keep your feet in the best shape possible. 

• Check Your Feet

• Make it a daily routine to check your feet for cuts, redness, swelling, or anything else that seems off. If you can’t see the bottom of your feet, grab a mirror or have a close friend or family member help you.

• Give Your Toes a Spa Day

• Wash your feet with warm water and soap daily.
• Dry them incredibly well, especially between the toes. Moisture harbors bacteria that can cause infections.
• Use plenty of lotion or other skin moisturizer, but keep it away from the area between the toes. To avoid bacteria build-up, keep the skin on your feet hydrated but not overly damp.

• Trim Your Nails

• Cut your nails straight across instead of at an angle to avoid ingrown nails.
• Don't hack away at the corners - smooth them out with a file.
• If toenail trimming isn’t your thing, book an appointment with a podiatrist. No shame.

• Your Shoes Matter

• Wear supportive, comfortable shoes that fit well.
• Ditch the tight, pointy, or too-loose styles that rub your feet the wrong way.
• Say no to walking barefoot—yes, even inside. Shoes = protection.

• Control Your Blood Sugar

• Because when your blood sugar behaves, so do your feet. Keeping your blood sugar in check means less nerve damage, better circulation, and fewer surprises.

• Podiatrists Are Your Friends

• Book a foot check-up at least once a year—more if you notice anything suspicious. A specialist can catch issues before they become headline news in your life.

• Hydration is Key

• Hydration matters! Your skin needs moisture from the inside out, so be sure to drink plenty of water every day. Keeping your feet hydrated can help prevent cracks and dryness that could lead to risks of infection. Bonus: Your whole body will thank you for staying hydrated!

Red Flags You Shouldn’t Ignore

If you notice any unusual symptoms, you should immediately contact your doctor. Pain, swelling, wounds that won’t heal, or loss of sensation should be checked out as soon as possible. Time is of the essence with foot problems—don’t wait to get ahead of them. 

Show Your Feet Some Love

Here’s the deal: Your feet do a lot for you, so the least you can do is return the favor. Keep an eye on them, treat them well, and they’ll carry you wherever you need to go. Diabetes is not something to take lightly, so if something looks or feels wrong, contact a doctor immediately. A minor issue now could become a much bigger problem in the future. Make sure to take care of your feet and watch out for signs of health issues—your feet (and future self) will thank you.