Diabetes and high risk foot care

Having diabetes may increase your risk of developing diabetes related-complications including nerve damage called ‘peripheral neuropathy’ or poor circulation in your feet called ‘peripheral vascular disease’.

Feet are often the first place to show such diabetic-related symptoms. This is why it is so important to pay attention to any such changes in your feet if you have diabetes.

Do you have cold feet, numbness, a sharp pain in your leg after walking, pins and needles or any changes in foot colour, such as redder skin? Other things to look for include nail changes, corns, calluses, cracked or dry skin. See your podiatrist or GP if you have any signs of an infection, or your skin starts to breakdown or if you have a new pain, swelling or redness in this area. This is important if you have already been diagnosed with nerve damage.

To help look after your feet:

• Make sure your feet are clean and dry, this includes drying between your toes.
• Moisturise your feet regularly
• Check your feet for changes
• Keep your toenails trimmed
• See your podiatrist – and seek professional advice.