People with diabetes have a much greater risk of developing problems with their feet. Raised blood sugars can cause problems with sensation and circulation.
We encourage you to keep an eye on your feet and make sure that you get them professionally checked at least once a year.
10 Top Tips for Healthy Feet
1. Always attend your annual diabetic foot review
where your foot health will be assessed by an appropriately trained person.
2. Are you at risk?
By the end of your annual foot assessment, you should have been told of any developing foot issues and whether you will be referred.
3. Have your feet been assessed as increased or high risk?
If they are, ensure you are referred to a specialist for appropriate, expert advice.
4. Check your feet every day
Look for signs of redness, pain, damage to skin, swelling or build up of callous and any changes in the shape of your feet.
5. Check for loss of sensation
Avoid extremes of temperature or walking barefoot if you suspect you have lost feeling in any part of your feet.
6. Touch the toes test
It is important to test the feeling in your toes by asking a friend or family member to do this quick, easy test at home.
7. Care for your toenails
Don't cut down the side as it could lead to an ingrown nail. Don't cut too short and if in doubt, see a registered podiatrist (chiropodist) for expert advice.
8. Don't use blades or corn plasters
These may damage your skin or cause more serious injury.
9. Make sure your shoes are well-fitting
This will protect and support your feet and socks should always be worn, where possible.
10. Maintain good glucose control
This can prevent future foot problems by keeping blood vessels and nerves, in the feet, healthy.
