If you have any type of diabetes, you need to look after your feet.
Diabetes (diabetes mellitus) results from your blood glucose (sugar) level being too high. Left untreated, long-term high blood sugar levels can damage the nerves in your feet and legs. This is known as diabetic neuropathy, and the most common type is peripheral neuropathy which can first start in your toes and feet.
Diabetes and peripheral neuropathy
Damaged nerves can lead to your feet feeling numb or tingling. So if you have peripheral neuropathy, you may not have sufficient protective sensation in your feet. You may not feel sharp objects such as a small stone or a nail in your shoe, for example.
With healthy nerves, you would feel the stone usually before it could cause an injury. However, with peripheral neuropathy, any resulting injury from something sharp could go unnoticed and if untreated, lead to ulceration. If an ulcer won’t heal properly, it can cause significant damage to tissue and bone in your foot.
Diabetes can also result in poor circulation in your feet. A reduced blood flow can affect the ability of broken skin and foot injuries to heal, so sores on your feet can get worse more quickly.
Charcot and diabetic feet
With any type of diabetic neuropathy, a trivial injury to your ankle and foot can induce a process called Charcot. This is a severe inflammatory response leading to bony arch collapse, where the ligaments and bones that form the natural arch of the foot disintegrate. Loss of arch support will affect your gait (the way you walk) and change your foot shape. So your regular footwear may no longer fit, making walking difficult. You may also feel unsteady on your feet, despite not feeling much pain in your foot.
If you have diabetes and notice any sudden changes in your foot shape, especially flattening accompanied by swelling, pain or stiffness when walking, you should seek medical advice as soon as possible.
Top tips for diabetic foot care
Regardless of which type of diabetes you have, simple regular foot care is important.
Avoid wearing tight shoes
Footwear that is too tight could cause blisters and soft tissue breakdown. So ensure you regularly check your actual foot size and wear shoes that are the right size.
Inspect your feet regularly
Examine your heels and soles for any cracks, blisters or calluses, which can hide underlying wounds. Also look between and under your toes for any broken skin or swelling and any signs of blisters or infection.
We know that looking at your feet from all angles can be difficult if you have mobility issues or arthritic joints. Try sitting in front of a full length mirror to see the tops and sides. If examining the soles of your feet is difficult for you, ask a partner or relative to help.
Apply moisturising foot lotion
Even sweaty feet can dry out and be prone to skin damage. Apply a quality foot moisturising cream to prevent your skin from dryness and cracking. Wash and carefully dry your feet before applying moisturiser and wear a clean pair of cotton or natural fibre socks afterwards if putting on footwear again.
Have an annual check for diabetic neuropathy
Your doctor or diabetes nurse should check for signs of diabetic neuropathy every year. If you have any concerns, ask your GP for a test, book a private appointment with a specialist foot clinic or contact us for a consultation here at Joint Reaction.
Manage your diabetes effectively
Alongside your footcare routine, keeping your blood sugars, cholesterol and blood pressure levels on target is the best way to protect your foot health.
Private consultations within days, not months
For more information, or to book an appointment with our Foot and Ankle consultants:
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
This article was co-written with expert insight and advice by Joint Reaction Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon Mr Ngwe Phyo, MB BS FRCS (Tr & Orth)
Article published: July 2026. Next revision due: July 2028.
IMPORTANT: This article on diabetic foot care is for your information only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. When you first meet your Joint Reaction consultant, they will discuss any foot issues, previous diagnosis or scans you may have.