Foot Care for People with Diabetes

Check your feet daily.

• Look for calluses, cuts, sores, blisters, red spots and swelling. A good time to check your feet is when you put on or take off your shoes and socks.
• Use a mirror to check the bottoms of your feet if you have trouble seeing them. You can also ask a family member to help you.
• Contact your health care provider if you see a problem.

Maintain foot hygiene.

• Wash your feet with warm water (not hot) daily, but avoid soaking them. Dry your feet well after washing, including between your toes.
• Rub a thin coat of lotion over the tops and bottoms of your feet. Do not put lotion between your toes to avoid infection.

Protect your feet.

• Do not walk barefoot. It is easy to step on something and hurt your feet.
• Wear shoes that fit well. Check inside your shoes before you put them on to make sure the lining is smooth and there are no objects in them.
• Do not use hot water bottles or heating pads on your feet.
• Do not use over-the-counter products for corns and calluses. They may harm your skin.Wash your feet with warm water (not hot) daily, but avoid soaking them. Dry your feet well after washing, including between your toes.
• Rub a thin coat of lotion over the tops and bottoms of your feet. Do not put lotion between your toes to avoid infection.

Be mindful of your diabetes.

• Keep your blood sugar within your target levels.
• Follow your primary care provider’s direction on diabetes treatment.

Follow your doctor's and care team's advice.

• Ask your primary care provider to check your feet at every visit.
• See a podiatrist (a doctor who treats feet) at least once a year.
• Let your care team know right away if you see or feel any issues with your feet.

This blog post is written by Ziad Farah, MD, MBA, Chief Medical Officer at CenterLight Healthcare PACE.