Diabetic Foot Problems

For people with diabetes, proper foot care is an important part of the daily routine. After all, high blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels that carry oxygen and nutrients to the legs and feet. This can lead to nerve damage, which can make it difficult to feel injuries, poor circulation, infections, or foot deformities.

That's why diabetes is so often associated with foot problems and amputation. Not including those caused by accidents or trauma, more than 60% of lower-limb amputations performed each year are in people with diabetes. That's about 80,000 amputations annually. But studies suggest that comprehensive foot care efforts can reduce your risk of amputation up to 85%.¹

What to Look For

The American Diabetes Association recommends that your feet be examined at every doctor visit, at least quarterly.² But if you have any of the following, talk to your doctor right away:

• numbness or pain in legs or feet
  
  
• open sores or ingrown toenails
• corns or calluses with skin discoloration
• changes in the shape of your feet

•   lack of hair growth on feet

• redness or swelling

Healthy Diabetic Foot Care Habits

By keeping your blood sugar within the range recommended by your healthcare team, and paying special attention to your feet every day, you may be able to prevent long-term complications.

Some suggestions to keep in mind³:

• Wash, dry and examine your feet daily, especially between your toes. Watch for cuts, sores, and bruises. Use a mirror if you have a hard time seeing the soles, or ask a friend or family member for help.

• Moisturize daily, but not between the toes.

• Wear good-fitting, appropriate shoes and socks, even indoors. Avoid high heels, pointed toes, and open sandals.

• Check your shoes for rough spots or loose objects before putting them on.

• Avoid heating pads, hot water bottles, and hot bath water. If you have a loss of sensation, you may not feel it if you get burned.

• Trim toenails carefully straight across.

• Cross your legs at the ankles, not your knees.

•   Make sure your doctor checks your feet at every visit.

¹ National diabetes fact sheet: general information and national estimates on diabetes in the United States, 2005. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

² Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes," American Diabetes Association Position Statement, Diabetes Care, Volume 28, Supplement 1, January 2005

³ Foot Care" American Diabetes Association