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  • With Mayo Clinic diabetes educators

    Nancy Klobassa Davidson, R.N., and Peggy Moreland, R.N.

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  • Living with diabetes blog

  • May 13, 2009

    Blog: Diabetes foot care

    By Nancy Klobassa Davidson, R.N., and Peggy Moreland, R.N.

28 comments posted

Warmer weather is here, and many of you will be kicking off your shoes at home, at the beach or in the park. But is that a good thing?

The American Diabetes Association estimates that one in five people with diabetes who seek hospital care do so for foot problems. As a person with diabetes, you are more vulnerable to foot problems because diabetes can damage your nerves and reduce blood flow to your feet making it harder to heal an injury or resist infection. Because of these problems, you may not notice a pebble in your shoe, so that you could develop a blister, then a sore, then a stubborn infection that might cause you to lose a foot or leg to amputation.

The American Diabetes Association provides some diabetes foot care tips to follow to keep your feet healthy:

  • Take care of your diabetes. Work with your health care team to keep your blood glucose in target range.
  • Check your feet every day. Look at your bare feet for red spots, cuts, swelling, and blisters. If you can't see the bottoms of your feet, use a mirror or ask someone to help.
  • Be more active. Plan your physical activity program with your health team.
  • Ask your doctor about Medicare coverage for special shoes.
  • Wash your feet every day. Dry them carefully, especially between the toes.
  • Keep your skin soft and smooth. Rub a thin coat of skin lotion over the tops and bottoms of your feet, but not between your toes.
  • If you can see and reach your toenails, trim them when needed. Trim your toenails straight across and file the edges with an emery board or nail file.
  • Wear shoes and socks at all times. Never walk barefoot. Wear comfortable shoes that fit well and protect your feet. Check inside your shoes before wearing them. Make sure the lining is smooth and there are no objects inside.
  • Protect your feet from hot and cold. Wear shoes at the beach or on hot pavement. Don't put your feet into hot water. Test water before putting your feet in it just as you would before bathing a baby. Never use hot water bottles, heating pads, or electric blankets. You can burn your feet without realizing it.
  • Keep the blood flowing to your feet. Put your feet up when sitting. Wiggle your toes and move your ankles up and down for five minutes, two or three times a day. Don't cross your legs for long periods of time. Don't smoke.

Begin taking good care of your feet today. Set a time every day to check your feet. And let us know if you have any other tips.

- Peggy

28 comments posted

blog index

  • January 8, 2012 2:22 p.m.

    I have found that custom Orthotics helps.

    - Josh

  • September 17, 2011 12:40 p.m.

    type2=what can i do the soles of my feet hurt so bad ,like walking on bruises..there not cracked or dry or sloowen...

    - sandra

  • December 15, 2010 3:43 a.m.

    really like this post..Want to hear more from you in future Thanks for this one:)

    -

  • October 21, 2010 9:24 a.m.

    Is foot massage contraindicated for diabetic feet care? I have recommended that my clients use a tennis ball in the instep area and roll to increase circulation. I do not recommend this for someone who is or has a risk for blood clots or claudication.

    - Sandra

  • September 17, 2010 4:34 a.m.

    You can used also other foot care products available in the market. You can try using The Neat Feat Diabetic Self Moulding Insole has been specifically designed for people suffering from diabetes, arthritis or any skin disorder that requires your feet to remain friction free.

    - Neat Feet Care

  • August 15, 2010 10:26 p.m.

    I have type 2 diabetes and neuropathy in both feet, I am currently on (4) 300mg gabapentin 3 times a day for pain. Most days I can hardly walk because the pain is so severe, I usually wear bedroom slippers (which I have to change several times a day) because shoes are just too painful - even "diabetic" shoes...I have a few pair of "crocs" that are several sizes too big (so my feet don't touch in a lot of places)...anyway, I am wondering if there is anything else out there for pain that someone can suggest. I cry myself to sleep several nights a week from the pain. I also just lost my health care coverage and will lose my unemployment in two months...

    - Teresa

  • July 27, 2010 10:51 a.m.

    i am a type 2 diabetic and have severe pain in my feet from neuropathy. i was givin a prescription by my dr but im on medicare and only have part d prescription coverage and it wont cover it. ddoes anyone know what i can do for the pain

    - sally

  • July 16, 2010 1:39 a.m.

    Thankyou for sharing this inforimation its indeed very helpful. I am a type 2 diabetic and have a problem when my diabetes increases many red spots appears on my foot and legs but not on any other body part. I dont feel any pain or iching but after few days it turns into brown and disapears after a month. when I consulted with doctor he said its ok if you dont feel any pain or iching.

    - Sadaf

  • June 23, 2010 12:14 p.m.

    My husband is Type 2. He has lost his toenails twice. Is this a result of the diabetes or a fungus?

    - Linda

  • June 16, 2010 9:40 p.m.

    I WOULD ASK ANYONE WHO HAD PROBLEMS WITH THEIR FEET.

    - william

  • May 26, 2010 7:16 p.m.

    im 24 years old and im a diabetic. About 2 weeks ago i stubbed my big toe, and the brusing hasnt gone away, instead its become swollen and started oozsing pus, what should i do

    - janie

  • February 13, 2010 12:08 p.m.

    hello i'm not very good with a computer.my doctor is checking me for diabetes.last november i had a blood test done.it gave a a1c level of 7.7 .six months ago it was 6.1.my weight was 226 lbs on my first test in july.in november it was 208 lbs .it is february now my weight is 180 lbs i am 5'10".each time i went to see my doctor he would tell me to lose weight and exercise.and i have.i have changed my diet and exercised daily.i have had no real problems until a couple days ago.my feet feel like thy're on fire.my hands are numb.it is very painful just to stand let alone walk.i have very high cholesterol and triglycerides.i also have high blood pressure.my doctor has been treating me for these.I am not on any meds.for diabetes.I thought my feet were just sore from work.today is saturday and they hurt so bad.I will make an appontment on monday.does this sound like nerv problems.Is it doing more damage.my wife told me to make appt. last wensday.I hope i have'nt bored you first time ever doing this on comp.also real quick.i have always felt i was in great shape my cholesterol was 378 and my trigs were 3040.yes 3040.i will be fifty nent month.thank you.dave

    - dave

  • December 2, 2009 9:49 a.m.

    I have considerable diabetic neuropathy problems with my feet and legs, at times like a thousand bees stinging me. Keeps me awake at nights from the pain. I have used all kinds of lotions and creams, including numbing types, with little luck. I try exercise, by walking, but it causes callouses and blisters on my feet. I am in a vicious cycle. The only treatment I have found successful is with Anondyne Therapy that vets use on racehorse legs. It works!!! Unfortunately, the PT sessions are very expensive, and insurance limits the number of treatments. The device is too expensive to purchase, and very few Physical Theapists even know what I'm talking about, or can afford the equipment. Can anybody explain why in this world of all the money spent on diabetis research and management nobody has developed an inexpensive and simple way to use this therapy on a very common problem for diabetics. It seems that only answer the medical profession can give us is to prescribe more expensive pills, which don't work (like Neurontin--might as well flush it down the toilet for all the good it does, but that seems to be the only answer doctors can give.) I am very frustrated with the medical profession about this. Does anybody know of available alternatives?

    - Patrick

  • November 19, 2009 8:04 a.m.

    I went in to do a home visit on a pt I have never seen before. she is a parapelegic x 30yrs, plus mx health issues. Upon inspection of her feet I found all 10 toes reddened at the tips. I put in for a consult but suspect non repairable damage related to her Diabetic and physical dilemma. What do you think?

    - Kathleen

  • September 13, 2009 2:29 p.m.

    I found a shop that sells you a box of your own instruments, etc. I take it with me each time I get a pedicure. My particular person is well informed about diabetes and does a wonderful job. For me, it's not about having great looking polish on my toes, but I am able to get me feet taken care of at a local place instead of having to see a foot specialist every month (and pay a great deal of money) to have my toesnails clipped, etc. You do have to look around, however, to make sure the technicians are aware of diabetic care of the feet (I lucked out).

    - Chris

  • July 21, 2009 5:08 a.m.

    Be certain that your shoes fit with room to wiggle your toes. Look inside your shoes before putting them on, in case there are any foreign objects hiding in there, such as gravel, that could cause sores or irritation. Wear clean well-fitting socks.

    - maddy

  • July 6, 2009 6:23 p.m.

    This is a good article. Little tips like these go along way in maintaining the health of your feet.

    - Fancy Feet

  • June 17, 2009 6:40 p.m.

    A question about peripheral neuropathy on the feet. I'm considering getting the spinal cord stimulation(SCS) installed on a trial basis. Are there concerns about this method of treatment. I'm fairly active and tried medications neurotin etc., but didn't like the side effects. I'm tired and frustrated of the pain and the lack of being active for prolong periods.

    - Gabe

  • May 28, 2009 4:24 p.m.

    Yes, you can live without a pancreas. After you have a pancreas removed you become a type 1 diabetic and will be on insulin and other pancreatic enzyme replacements for the rest of your life.

    - Nancy and Peggy

  • May 28, 2009 1:39 a.m.

    This has nothing to do with feet but can a person live without their pancreas. Had an email from a dear friend and her husband had most of his removed last year and the rest may have to be removed. He is sick again. No cancer involved. Thanks, Linda

    - Linda

  • May 22, 2009 11:32 p.m.

    Thank you for all the information. I am type 2 (pre-diabetic or actually diabetic, controlling by diet and exercise with readings in the 110's). Both my mother and grandmother were diabetic, and also a brother. I am really trying to take good care of my feet, going to see that the doctor checks them at my next appt.

    - Sally

  • May 21, 2009 1:15 p.m.

    One of the items says "check for red spots on your feet." What if you have these red spots - what to do about it? I saw my dermatologist yesterday and pointed them out to her and she said they might mean the psoriasis is trying to break out there. I somehow don't believe that. I do have psoriasis on my heels due to a reaction to a beta blocker that I have to take (my mother had psoriasis all over but this is first time I've experienced it and I'm 77 years old.

    - mary duc

  • May 21, 2009 8:15 a.m.

    For those of you who are struggling with this economy and maybe have little or no health care insurance, the American Diabetes website has health insurance information for people with diabetes. The web address is: http://www.diabetes.org/advocacy-and-legalresources/healthcare/insurance.jsp

    - Nancy and Peggy

  • May 20, 2009 8:46 a.m.

    Al and Jackie: Don't take any chances and get your feet checked out right away. Jackie, we would recommend that you check with social services in your area. Look in the county pages in your phone book. Social services can offer financial assistance services such as food and cash benefits and medical assistance to eligible families and individuals.

    - Nancy and Peggy

  • May 20, 2009 1:19 a.m.

    I have diabetes 2 and have a bloody itchy rash on my left foot and its also swollen. no insurance HELP

    - jackie

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