How to look after your feet if you have diabetes

It's especially important to look after your feet if you have diabetes. Here's how to take care of your feet and advice on when to get professional help.

Diabetes can reduce the blood supply to your feet and cause a loss of feeling known as peripheral neuropathy.

This can mean foot injuries don't heal well and you may not notice if your foot is sore or injured.

"The risk of complications can be greatly reduced if you're able to bring your blood sugar levels under control," says foot specialist Mike O'Neill.

"Ensure that your blood pressure and cholesterol levels are also monitored and controlled with medication if needed."

Foot care tips if you have diabetes

• See a private or NHS podiatrist at least once a year. You should be eligible for an NHS podiatrist if you have a long-term condition like diabetes. Ask your GP for a referral or find a local podiatrist. 
• Keep your feet clean and free from infection.
• Wear shoes that fit well and don't squeeze or rub. Ill-fitting shoes can cause corns and calluses, ulcers and nail problems.
• Never walk barefoot, especially in the garden or on the beach on holidays, to avoid cuts and try to avoid sitting with your legs crossed so you don't constrict your blood circulation.
• Cut or file your toenails regularly.
• Get corns or hard skin treated by a podiatrist.

Stop smoking to protect your feet

If you have diabetes, it's important to try to stop smoking. Smoking impairs the blood circulation, particularly in people with diabetes. It can seriously worsen foot and leg problems.

Read more about how the NHS can help you stop smoking.

Eat a healthy, balanced diet and keep active

You should also aim to eat a healthy, balanced diet and keep active if you have diabetes.

This can help you to manage your diabetes and reduce the risk of getting problems with your feet and legs.

Find out more about eating healthily and keeping active.

When to see a doctor

Seek treatment from your GP or podiatrist if blisters or injuries don't heal quickly.

You should see your doctor urgently if:

• you notice breaks in the skin of your foot, or discharge seeping from the wound
• the skin over part or all of the foot changes colour and becomes more red, blue, pale or dark 
• you notice extra swelling in your feet where there was a blister or injury
• there is redness or swelling around an ulcer or in an area where you have previously been warned to seek immediate attention

Diabetes UK has more information on how to look after your feet.

Page last reviewed: Wed Sep 2018 Next review due: Sun Sep 2021