How living with diabetes can affect your feet
Having diabetes can mean you are at greater risk of developing foot problems.
Elevated blood sugars can damage the nerves to your feet, leading in the loss of feeling in your feet.
The circulation or blood supply to your feet may be affected. Without a good blood supply to your feet, you may develop cuts and sores that do not heal.
Diabetes may lead you to be more prone to infections, these can occur in your feet.
Any person living with diabetes should have an assessment with a podiatrist, so that their individual risk of developing problems with their feet can be discussed and an appropriate advice plan given.
The majority of patients living with diabetes will be at low risk of developing foot problems. They can carry out their own nail and skin care and carryout daily foot checks to ensure no breaks in the skin.
Wearing good footwear is also important to ensure you keep your feet healthy. Footwear should be supportive and fit your feet. Not too small and not too big.
Please see our footwear page for further information.
If you have any concerns about your feet such as skin breaks/sores, redness, heat or swelling please ensure you contact your podiatrist or local health care professional as soon as possible
There are some really useful diabetes resources to help you look after your feet.
If you have any questions or concerns please get in touch with your podiatrist or healthcare professional.