Debetic Feet

Diabetic Foot Education

Why Is Foot Care So Important for People Living with Diabetes?

Diabetes can affect the health of your feet in several ways. Over time, elevated blood sugar levels may damage the nerves (peripheral neuropathy) and reduce blood flow (peripheral arterial disease). Together, these changes can make it difficult to feel pain, pressure, heat, or injury and can slow the body's ability to heal.

A small blister, cut, or area of pressure that might normally heal quickly can become a serious wound if it goes unnoticed. For this reason, routine foot care and daily self-examinations are essential parts of diabetes management.

How Does Diabetes Affect the Feet?

People living with diabetes are at an increased risk of developing:

• Peripheral neuropathy, which can reduce sensation and make it difficult to detect injuries.

• Poor circulation, which slows healing and increases the risk of infection.

• Dry skin and cracks, increasing the risk of bacteria entering the skin.

• Foot deformities, such as hammertoes or bunions, which create areas of increased pressure.

• Corns and calluses, which may become excessively thick and increase the risk of skin breakdown.

• Fungal nail infections, which can cause thickened nails that place additional pressure on the surrounding skin.

Daily Foot Care Tips

Healthy feet begin with a daily routine. We recommend:

• Inspect your feet every day, including between your toes and the soles of your feet. Use a mirror or ask someone for help if needed.

• Wash your feet daily with warm (not hot) water and dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes.

• Apply moisturizer to dry skin, avoiding the spaces between the toes.

• Wear clean, well-fitting socks and supportive footwear.

• Never walk barefoot, even indoors.

• Trim your toenails straight across or seek professional foot care if you have difficulty reaching your feet or have thickened nails.

• Check the inside of your shoes before putting them on to ensure there are no objects or rough areas that could injure your feet.

When Should You Seek Professional Foot Care?

Contact a healthcare professional promptly if you notice:

• A cut, blister, or wound that is not healing.

• Redness, swelling, warmth, or drainage.

• A new corn, callus, or area of thickened skin.

• Thickened, discoloured, or painful toenails.

• Ingrown toenails.

• Changes in the colour or temperature of your feet.

• New numbness, tingling, or burning sensations.

Early assessment can help prevent minor problems from becoming serious complications.

Remember

Most diabetes-related foot complications are preventable with regular foot assessments, good blood sugar management, appropriate footwear, daily self-care, and early intervention. Protecting your feet today can help preserve your mobility and quality of life for years to come.

At Sooke Foot Care and Wellness, our Senior Foot Care service is designed to help older adults maintain healthy, comfortable feet so you can continue to stay active, independent, and mobile. 

For seniors who find it difficult to travel, foot care appointments are available in the comfort of your own home throughout the Sooke area. Whether you need routine maintenance or specialized nursing foot care, you'll receive compassionate, evidence-based care, preserving mobility, comfort, and quality of life.