Diabetes is a disease characterized by a high level of blood glucose (sugar) due to the body’s inability to produce insulin or to effectively use the insulin that the body did produce. Blood glucose is important to be regulated in order for the body to function properly. Too much blood glucose can cause damage to blood vessels, nerves, and organs.
Diabetes and Your Feet
Foot problems are very common in people with diabetes and it can lead to serious complications such as diabetic foot ulcer, amputation, and death. According to the Diabetes Canada, people with diabetes account for 70% of all non-traumatic amputations in Canada each year.1
People with diabetes are at an increased risk for foot problems due to 2 main reasons:
- Neuropathy is a nerve damage condition that develops often due to poorly-controlled blood glucose levels. It usually starts with a tingling or numbness feeling on both feet, especially the toes. Due to the nerve damage, people with diabetic neuropathy would not be able to feel when they have injured their foot. Even a small foot injury, when left undetected and untreated, can be a serious health threat.
- Slow wound healing in people with diabetes is contributed by poor blood flow and impaired immune functions. Without proper blood flow especially to the lower extremities and the foot, wounds can take a long time to heal or not heal at all.
Healthy Foot Habits
- Routine foot checks with your chiropodist (foot specialist)
- Visually inspect your feet daily for cuts, bruises, sores, etc.
- Use a diabetic-friendly foot cream daily
- Avoid using electric heating pads or hot water bottles on your feet
- Avoid walking barefoot indoor and outdoor
- Avoid using any sharp device or chemical plasters for calluses or corns at home2
What Can Chiropodists Do For You
A chiropodist (foot specialist) should be a part of your diabetes care team along with your family doctor, endocrinologist, and optometrist. During a diabetes foot care appointment, your chiropodist may work on the following with you:
- Diabetic foot evaluation: assess your current risk levels and areas of improvement.
- Toenail treatment: trimming and maintaining healthy nails to prevent bacterial and fungal infections.
- Callus and corn treatment: paring dry and hard skin on calluses and corns can reduce pain, reduce pressure, and prevent the development of diabetic foot ulcers.3
- Ulcer/wound treatment: diabetic foot ulcer treatment and prevention.
- Biomechanical assessment: finding ways to reduce mechanical pressure on the foot using offloading pads and custom orthotics.
- Footwear assessment: appropriate shoes and fit for both indoor and outdoor.
Helpful Resources
- Diabetes and Foot Care: A Patient’s Checklist
- Finding the Proper Shoe Fit
- Wounds Canada: Questions to Ask Your Healthcare Professional
References
- “Amputation Prevention” Diabetes Canada. 2022. Web. 01 Mar. 2022.
- “Foot Care: A Step Toward Good Health.” Diabetes Canada. n.p., 2018. Web. 01. Mar. 2022.
- Sage RA, Webster JK, Fisher SG. Outpatient Care and Morbidity Reduction in Diabetic Foot Ulcers Associated with Chronic Pressure Callus J. Am. Podiatr. Med. Assoc. 2001; 91(6): 275-279.