For most people, an ingrown toenail or a blister from tight shoes is nothing more than a temporary annoyance. But when you have diabetes, these seemingly minor issues can quickly lead to serious complications.
At Shah Medical Center, we provide comprehensive diabetes management services, including diabetic foot exams. Our team, led by Heena Shyamani, MD, uses these screenings to identify subtle changes in your feet and catch potential issues before they affect your health or mobility.
Are you giving your feet the same level of attention as your diet or blood sugar? Here, we explain why proper foot care is a non-negotiable part of any diabetes management plan, and how to implement a routine that works for you.
More than 40 million Americans live with diabetes, a chronic condition where the body cannot effectively use or produce insulin — the hormone that turns glucose (sugar) from food into energy. Without it, glucose builds up in the bloodstream instead of fuelling your cells.
Sustained high blood sugar damages nerves and blood vessels, particularly those in the lower extremities. Over time, uncontrolled levels can lead to peripheral neuropathy, which causes numbness in the feet, and/or peripheral artery disease (PAD), which slows circulation.
When you lose sensation in your feet and toes, a small cut or blister can easily go unnoticed and untreated. Reduced blood flow to the area means that these injuries often struggle to heal, increasing the risk of a serious infection or ulcer.
In addition to managing your blood sugar levels, proper foot care is essential to prevent diabetes-related complications. These simple habits can help you catch small issues before they become a health risk.
Since you might not feel an injury, visually inspect your feet every day for cuts, blisters, redness, and swelling. Use a hand mirror or ask a family member for help if you have trouble seeing the bottoms of your feet.
It’s surprisingly easy to step on a small object or stub your toe without realizing it. To protect your feet, wear clean, comfortable socks and well-fitting shoes at all times—even at home.
Wash your feet daily in lukewarm (not hot) water using a mild soap. When you’re done, gently pat your skin dry with a towel, paying special attention to the spaces between your toes.
Keeping your skin hydrated helps prevent dryness and cracking, which can lead to infection. After your bath or shower, apply a thin layer of lotion or petroleum jelly to the tops and bottoms of your feet. Never apply moisturizer between your toes — a buildup of moisture here creates a breeding ground for fungal infections.
To avoid complications from ingrown toenails, use clean, sharp clippers and cut straight across rather than rounding or tearing the corners. If you have difficulty reaching your feet or seeing clearly, it’s safer to have a family member or a professional handle your nail care.
Patients with diabetes should schedule a medical foot exam at least once a year, even if they have no concerns about their foot health. During these screenings, our team evaluates the circulation and nerve function in your feet, as well as the condition of your skin and nails.
If you have a cut, scrape, or blister that does not show signs of healing within 48 hours, contact our team as soon as possible. Other red flags include redness, warmth, or oozing pus, which indicate an infection has set in.
Don’t wait for a minor foot injury to become a serious issue. Contact Shah Medical Center in Elgin, Illinois, to schedule your annual foot exam.
