If you have diabetes, it is important to pay attention to your foot health. This is because raised blood sugars (Hyperglycaemia), raised cholesterol (blood fats) and high blood pressure can affect your circulation and nervous systems.

How can diabetes impact my feet?

Diabetes can cause problems with the blood supply and nerves in your feet and legs. The nerves in your feet can become damaged, causing a lack of feeling, so you may not be able to feel pain, heat, or cold. Furthermore, you may also not notice any sores, blisters, or other problems with your feet.

Diabetes can also reduce the blood flow to your legs and feet, making it harder for cuts, sores, or infections to heal and increasing the risk of amputation if a foot ulcer or infection becomes severe.

Damage to the eyes from diabetes can also make it harder to see any problems with your feet. Nerve damage can lead to muscle weakness and a loss of coordination in your feet and legs, increasing your risk of falls and injuries.

It is very important to take good care of your feet and legs if you have diabetes. Some key things to do is:

·       Inspect your feet daily.

·       Keep your feet clean and dry.

·       Wear well-fitting footwear.

·       See a podiatrist at least once a year for a diabetic foot check.

How to check your feet

If you have diabetes, it's important to check your feet every day. This can help you spot any problems early before they turn into serious issues.

Here are simple steps to check your feet:

Step 1: Take off your shoes and socks.

Step 2: Feel your feet to check the temperature. Both feet should feel the same - not too hot or too cold.

Step 3: Look closely at your feet. Check for any calluses, wounds, sores, or changes in shape and colour. If something looks unusual you might want to tell you doctor or see a podiatrist.

Step 4: Examine your toes. Look between the toes for dry or flaky skin. Check that your toenails are not too long or digging into the skin.

Make checking your feet part of your daily routine. It only takes a few minutes, but it can make a big difference in protecting the health of your feet when you have diabetes.

What are the signs of a serious problem?

To reduce the risk of a serious problem, here are a few things you can do:

1.Try to stop Smoking: Smoking reduces blood flow to your feet. 

2. Manage Your Health: Keep your blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure under control. This helps prevent circulatory and nerve damage.

3. Check Your Feet Daily: Inspect your feet carefully every day for any cuts, sores, blisters, or changes in colour or temperature.

4. Moisturise Regularly: Apply a gentle, fragrance-free moisturiser to your feet daily to prevent dry, cracked skin.

5. Cut Nails Carefully: Trim your toenails straight across and file down any sharp edges.

6. Avoid Hard Skin Removal: Do not use blades, corn plasters, or other methods to remove hard skin or corns. See a podiatrist instead.

7. Wear Well-Fitting Shoes: Make sure your shoes are not too tight or loose and provide cushioning.

8. Eat Healthy and Stay Active: Maintain a nutritious diet and exercise regularly to support overall health.

9. Seek Professional Help: Work closely with your doctor and a podiatrist to get expert advice and care for your feet.

10. Keep Key Numbers Handy: Have the contact information for your healthcare providers easily accessible.

How we can help

At our foot care clinic, we are committed to assisting our patients with any foot-related concerns. We recognize that foot health is not just about clinic visits; therefore, we provide resources for you to use at home as well.

I invite you to explore our educational videos, which outline the services we offer and demonstrate techniques you can apply at home to enhance your foot health. We also have a valuable booklet available for download or printing, filled with tips and advice for maintaining your feet in excellent condition.

Regular visits to our clinic are crucial for your overall foot health. During these appointments, we perform comprehensive neurovascular assessments to detect any potential issues early on.

We look forward to your next visit and are here to help you keep your feet healthy, comfortable, and functioning optimally.

Contact Us

To learn more or to book your appointment, please reach out to us via:

• Phone: 01277 321059

• Email: sam@thefootfella.co.uk