Foot Care Guidelines for Diabetics

bottom of bare feet

There is a lot to keep track of if you have diabetes, including monitoring your blood sugar, making healthy food choices, staying active, taking medications, and visiting your doctor. With all that on your mind, your feet might be the last thing you on your list. And because November is Diabetes Awareness Month, today Dr. Hubert Lee at CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists in Bellevue, WA, is sharing his tips for keeping diabetic feet healthy.

Daily foot care is one of the best ways to avoid foot complications related to diabetes.

To prevent serious foot problems, follow these guidelines:

Examine your feet each day. Check for blisters, redness, swelling, nail problems, or cuts. Use a mirror to check the bottom of your feet and call your podiatrist if you notice anything.
Keep feet dry and warm.
Monitor blood sugar levels. Keep them under control.
Gently bathe your feet. Wash them with a sponge or soft washcloth. Dry them by patting them carefully. Be sure to dry thoroughly between the toes.
Have your podiatrist treat calluses or corns. Conducting your own 'bathroom surgery' is not a good idea.
Consider using an antiperspirant on the bottom of your feet if your feet sweat excessively.
Moisturize your feet. Use a moisturizer daily to keep skin from cracking or drying. But don't apply moisturizer between the toes as it could cause an infection.
Wear socks in bed. Never use a hot water bottle or heating pad. If your feet get cold at night, put on socks.
Cut nails properly. Cut toenails straight across. Don’t cut them too short, as this could lead to ingrown toenails.
Wear dry, clean socks. Change them every day.
Think about getting socks made for diabetics. This type of sock has extra cushioning, doesn’t have elastic tops, rests above the ankle, and is constructed from fibers that keep moisture away from the skin.
Don’t walk barefooted, not even at home! Always wear something on your feet so you don’t step on something and get a cut.
Don’t smoke. It limits blood flow in your feet.
See your podiatrist regularly. Seeing your podiatrist on a regular basis can help prevent the complications of diabetes.

If you are diabetic, contact the office of Dr. Hubert Lee at CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists in Bellevue, WA today at (425) 455-0936 to schedule a consultation.

Author

Dr. Hubert Lee

You Might Also Enjoy...

hand rubbing foot with pain

6 Ways to Soothe Your Arthritic Foot Pain

If you live with arthritis, chances are you feel the painful effects in your feet. Because May is Arthritis Awareness Month, Dr. Hubert Lee at CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists in Bellevue, WA, is sharing a way to heal your foot pain.

a mole on the back of a foot, at top of the heel

Melanoma and Your Feet: What You Need to Know

Because May 3 is known as Melanoma Monday, today Dr. Hubert Lee at CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists in Bellevue, WA is sharing what you need to know about melanoma and your feet.

young child walking, pediatric foot care

3 Common Pediatric Foot and Ankle Conditions: What to Look For

You should familiarize yourself with some of the most common pediatric foot and ankle issues so you can take the proper steps to prevent them from happening. Today, Dr. Hubert Lee shares his expert guidance.

feet in sneakers, running, running injury prevention

Heading Outside to Run? Here’s How to Prevent Running Injuries!

Research shows that a large percentage of runners suffer injuries every year. This can be caused by not warming up or cooling down properly after a run, or it may be the result of wearing shoes that don’t fit properly.

group of people walking outdoors on grass

6 Tips for National Foot Health Awareness Month!

April has been designated National Foot Health Awareness Month. Almost every action you take involves your feet, so keeping them healthy, pain-free, and active is our number one goal.

hand holding magnifying glass over bottom of foot

For Diabetics: Your Springtime Foot Guide (7 Tips)

Springtime presents even more circumstances in which those with diabetes have to take super special care of their feet. Dr. Hubert Lee at CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists in Bellevue, WA, is sharing 7 tips for diabetics.