Foot care is important as foot problems are a common complication of diabetes. Your feet can be affected in two ways. Your blood supply may be affected, resulting in slower healing, and you may also lose some feeling in your feet due to nerve damage.
Smoking, high blood fats and raised blood glucose levels can cause hardening or narrowing of your arteries as they become clogged up. The first sign of this is usually pain or cramps in the backs of your legs when walking. If the blood supply to your feet is reduced, cuts and sores may not heal.
Nerves are the ‘wiring’ of your body, carrying feelings to your brain from the rest of your body. The nerves to your feet are the most likely to be affected by diabetes.
Damaged nerves (neuropathy) can cause painful, numb or insensitive feet. Minor cuts, blisters, or burns may not be felt and ulcers can develop, which you may not be aware of. Some people with neuropathy experience uncomfortable sensations, such as burning, tingling and pain. This is often worse at night.
All people with diabetes should have their feet checked at least annually by a doctor or podiatrist, to detect problems early and prevent ulcers.
- Inspect your feet daily. Carefully look at your feet. Check between your toes and if necessary use a mirror to check underneath your feet.
- Look for swelling, redness, heat that may be a sign of infection
- Wash feet every day and dry well between the toes
- Use methylated spirits if there is a lot of moisture between the toes
- Moisturise dry skin, especially cracked heals (eg Sorbolene cream) but not between the toes
- Calluses may be treated with careful use of a pumice stone
- Do not use blades or sharp instruments.