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9 keys to preventing and treating diabetic foot issues

Being proactive can help keep your feet healthy.

Updated on October 1, 2022

Man tying his sneakers.
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If you have diabetes, you probably know to be on the lookout for issues with your feet. Foot problems happen most often when there is nerve damage, also known as peripheral neuropathy. Nerve damage can cause tingling, painful burning or weakness in the foot.

Conversely, neuropathy can also cause numbness, so you may injure a foot and not even know it. In fact, up to halfShow More

man checking his blood sugar levels
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Hit your blood glucose targets

It’s ideal, of course, to try to stave off foot problems before they happen. You can start by carefully monitoring your blood glucose levels. Poor glycemic control raises your risk of foot ulcers and infections. That’s because high blood glucose affects the nerves throughout your body andShow More

woman checking her foot
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Check your feet every day

Since nerve damage can reduce your ability to feel pain, heat and cold, you may not even be aware of a foot injury. For instance, you could have something like a pebble in your shoe and walk on it all day without feeling it. A blister or sore could form, raising your risk of infection.

Make a dailyShow More

Woman putting lotion on her legs
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Pamper your feet

Diabetes can cause changes to the skin on your feet. That’s because the nerves that control oil and moisture in your feet may no longer work. As a result, your feet may become extremely dry. To avoid peeling or cracked skin, it’s important to moisturize.

After bathing, dry your feet thoroughly,Show More

Senior woman putting on her flats
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Protect your feet

To avoid sores, don’t go barefoot or wear shoes that are tight or rub against your feet. Ideally, there should be just enough room to wiggle your toes.

If you have diabetes, you may notice that your feet are more prone to calluses. Those rough areas are a result of the presence of high-pressureShow More

Doctor testing the sensitivity of a patient's foot
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Have your doctor examine your feet

If you have diabetes, your health care provider should check your feet at every visit. Your doctor should also do a comprehensive foot exam at least once a year, according to the ADA. And, particularly if you are seeing a new doctor, be sure to bring your medical records to your appointment.

AmongShow More

man getting a pedicure
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Keep your nails trimmed

It’s important to keep your toenails in good shape. After washing and drying your feet (which helps soften the nails), use toenail clippers to trim your nails straight across, then smooth away any sharp edges with an emery board or nail file. Avoid cutting into the skin near the corners of the nail,Show More

Doctor examining a male patient's foot
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See your doctor about injuries

If you detect any foot issues, it’s important to act on them quickly and bring anything unusual to the attention of your health care provider. If you have a cut, blister, or wound on your foot that isn’t healing, don’t try to wait it out or treat it yourself with an over-the-counter antibiotic.Show More

Mens brown leather lace shoes
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Wear therapeutic shoes

Nerve damage can lead to changes in the shape of your feet and toes. Rather than force your feet into a pair of regular shoes, talk to your health care provider about wearing those designed for people with diabetic foot disease. The ADA recommends shoes with a broad, square toe box, three or fourShow More

Doctor and patient consultation
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Treat severe foot issues as necessary

People with diabetes are more likely to have a foot or leg amputated than people who don’t have the condition. In fact, up to 75 percent of lower-limb amputations are performed on people with diabetic foot disease. That’s because diabetes raises your risk of what’s known as peripheral arterialShow More

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