Diabetes is a chronic health condition that affects how your body processes blood glucose. If left unmanaged, diabetes can lead to complications such as nerve damage, impaired circulation, and delayed wound healing. These conditions can significantly impact your feet and skin.
Proper foot and skin care helps prevent infections, injuries, and even amputations, making it a vital part of staying healthy with diabetes (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, 2017). The American Diabetes Association (ADA) emphasizes the importance of daily foot checks to prevent injuries and to reduce the risk of serious complications.
Why Does Skin Care Matter?
According to the ADA, people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes should be extra vigilant when taking care of their feet and skin. One common complication of diabetes is neuropathy (nerve damage), which causes numbness, tingling, pain, and weakness in your feet and hands. Another complication from diabetes is that wounds heal slowly. Combined, these issues can cause serious problems.
Numbness in your extremities can make it challenging to notice injuries (ADA, n.d.; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2024), and not being aware of injuries may delay treatment, increase the risk of infection, and result in wounds that won’t heal. This is the spiral that can lead to limb amputation.
Managing your blood glucose, checking your skin and feet, wearing appropriate footwear, and seeing your healthcare provider when you notice problems can help you avoid the spiral. With diabetes, even minor injuries can become serious if left untreated.
Steps to Minimizing Foot and Skin Injuries
The ADA recommends the following steps to take to ensure proper care of your feet and skin. Call your doctor if you notice any significant changes in your foot or skin health.
Check Your Feet Daily
Check your feet and skin for calluses, cuts, red spots, ingrown nails, dry or flaking skin, blisters, and corns. Use a mirror or ask for help if you have trouble inspecting your feet. Let a doctor treat any of these issues; do not attempt to do it yourself.
Daily Foot Care
- Wash your feet thoroughly every day.
- Dry them carefully, especially between your toes.
- Moisturize your feet, but avoid applying lotions between your toes.
- Keep toenails trimmed and use an emery board to smooth sharp edges.
- Avoid soaking your feet, which can lead to dryness and cracking.
- Avoid excessive rubbing or friction on your feet.
- Avoid smoking, as it affects circulation and healing.
- Avoid heating pads or hot water bottles, which can burn your feet.
Wear Appropriate Footwear
- Wear moisture-wicking socks to keep your feet dry and comfortable.
- Inspect your shoes for sharp objects before putting them on.
- Wear properly fitting shoes with good arch support and a wide toe base.
- Never walk barefoot, even indoors.
Taking care of your feet and skin is a vital part of managing your diabetes. By following these daily steps and staying alert to any changes in your feet and skin, you can reduce the chances of developing serious complications. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best ways to manage any issues and always have a plan in place.
References
American Diabetes Association. (n.d.). Diabetes complications: Foot complications. Retrieved July 10, 2025, from https://diabetes.org/about-diabetes/complications/foot-complications
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, May 15). Your feet and diabetes. Retrieved July 10, 2025, from https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/diabetes-complications/diabetes-and-your-feet.html
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2017, January). Diabetes & foot problems. Retrieved July 10, 2025, from https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/preventing-problems/foot-problems
