If you’re living with diabetes, you already know how important it is to keep your blood sugar levels in check. But one area that often gets overlooked is foot care—and it’s more important than many people realize. Your feet can be one of the first places to show signs of complications related to diabetes, and neglecting them can lead to serious consequences.
Here’s why routine foot checkups should be part of your diabetes care plan.
1. Diabetes Can Affect Your Nerves and Blood Flow
High blood sugar levels over time can damage the nerves in your feet, a condition called diabetic neuropathy. This can cause numbness, tingling, or pain—but sometimes you might not feel anything at all. That’s the problem. You could develop a blister, cut, or sore and not even notice it.
At the same time, diabetes can reduce blood flow to your feet, making it harder for cuts and wounds to heal. This combination can lead to infections that, if left untreated, may become severe.
2. Foot Ulcers and Infections Are Common—and Preventable
Foot ulcers (open sores) are a leading cause of hospital stays and amputations in people with diabetes. But here’s the good news: most diabetic foot problems are preventable with early detection and good daily care.
That’s where routine checkups come in. A trained chiropodist can spot small issues before they become big ones. Even something as minor as a callus or poorly fitting shoe can lead to bigger problems if it goes unchecked.
3. What Happens During a Foot Checkup?
During a diabetic foot checkup, we look for:
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Changes in skin color or temperature
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Cuts, blisters, or sores
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Ingrown toenails or fungal infections
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Changes in foot shape or structure
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Signs of reduced blood flow or nerve damage
We also check your footwear and give advice on how to keep your feet protected. It’s all about catching problems early—before they become painful or dangerous.
4. Daily Foot Care Tips You Can Do at Home
In addition to regular checkups, here are a few simple habits to protect your feet every day:
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Inspect your feet daily for any cuts, redness, or swelling
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Wash and dry your feet carefully, especially between the toes
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Moisturize dry skin, but avoid lotion between toes
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Never go barefoot, even at home
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Trim toenails carefully, or let a professional help
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Choose shoes that fit well and check inside them for pebbles or rough spots
5. When to See a Chiropodist
Don’t wait until there’s a problem to book an appointment. If you notice any of the following, schedule a checkup with Brittney or Kelly right away:
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A sore or blister that isn’t healing
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Signs of infection (redness, warmth, pus)
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Changes in skin color, especially darkening
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Pain or numbness in your feet
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Any new or unusual symptoms
Even if everything seems fine, a yearly foot assessment is a must for anyone with diabetes—and more often if you’ve had foot problems before.
Take a Step Toward Better Foot Health
Managing diabetes means taking care of your whole body—and your feet are no exception. Routine foot checkups are a simple, effective way to protect yourself from complications and stay on your feet for the long haul.
If it’s been a while since your last checkup, now’s the perfect time to book one. Your future self will thank you.
