Diabetes affects more than blood sugar. It also impacts circulation, nerves, and skin health. The feet are especially vulnerable. For many people living with diabetes, foot problems start small but can lead to serious complications if ignored. Regular exams are not just about keeping feet healthy—they can save lives.
Experts like Gelbmann Podiatry have seen the risks firsthand. “We had a patient who thought a blister was nothing,” a representative explained. “By the time they came in, it had turned into an ulcer. With early exams, that outcome could have been avoided.”
Why Diabetes Targets the Feet
Nerve Damage
High blood sugar damages nerves over time, leading to a condition called neuropathy. People with neuropathy may lose feeling in their feet. They can step on something sharp or develop a blister without realising it.
Poor Circulation
Diabetes also slows blood flow. Poor circulation makes it harder for wounds to heal. Even small cuts can linger for weeks or months.
Higher Infection Risk
Because healing is slower, infections are more likely. In severe cases, untreated infections can lead to amputation. According to the CDC, about 130,000 people in the U.S. undergo lower-limb amputations each year, many linked to diabetes complications.
Common Foot Issues for Diabetic Patients
Ulcers
Open sores often form on the bottom of the foot. They start small but can become deep wounds that refuse to heal.
Infections
Even minor infections can spread quickly when blood sugar is not controlled. Redness, swelling, or pus are early warning signs.
Dry Skin and Cracks
Diabetes can reduce oil and sweat production, leading to dry, cracked skin. Cracks allow bacteria to enter more easily.
Nail Problems
Ingrown toenails and fungal infections are more dangerous in people with diabetes because they can become infected more quickly.
The Importance of Regular Exams
Early Detection
Routine exams allow podiatrists to catch small problems before they become serious. A tiny cut spotted early can be cleaned, treated, and healed. Left unseen, it may progress to infection.
Preventing Complications
One patient came in for a routine check with no complaints. During the exam, the doctor found an ulcer forming under a callus. Because it was caught early, the patient avoided surgery and long recovery.
Saving More Than Feet
Foot exams are not just about avoiding pain. They reduce the risk of hospital visits, amputations, and even life-threatening infections. According to the American Diabetes Association, consistent foot care can lower amputation risk by up to 85%.
What Patients Can Do Every Day
Inspect Feet Daily
Check for cuts, blisters, redness, or swelling. Use a mirror to see the bottoms of the feet, or ask a family member for help.
Wash and Dry Carefully
Wash feet daily in warm water. Dry well, especially between toes, to prevent fungal infections.
Moisturise
Apply lotion to keep skin soft, but avoid putting lotion between the toes where moisture can build up.
Choose the Right Footwear
Wear shoes that fit well and socks that keep feet dry. Avoid walking barefoot, even at home, to reduce injury risk.
Manage Blood Sugar
Good foot health starts with good diabetes management. Stable blood sugar helps protect nerves and improve healing.
When to See a Podiatrist
- If a blister, sore, or cut does not heal within a few days.
- If there is swelling, redness, or warmth in the foot.
- If there is pain, tingling, or numbness.
- If toenails become thick, yellow, or ingrown.
Regular visits are critical. Most patients with diabetes should see a podiatrist at least once a year, and more often if problems arise.
Recommendations for Care Teams
Educate Patients Clearly
Doctors and nurses should explain the risks in simple terms. Many patients assume pain is the only warning sign, but with neuropathy, pain may not be present.
Encourage Consistent Visits
Setting reminders or scheduling next appointments in advance increases the chances patients stay consistent with foot care.
Use Technology Wisely
Tools like pressure mapping can reveal areas at risk of ulcers before they form. These screenings should become part of regular check-ups for high-risk patients.
Real-Life Impact
A middle-aged man with diabetes once came to a clinic after ignoring a sore for weeks. He thought it was “just a blister.” By the time he arrived, infection had spread. Treatment was long and difficult.
Compare this with a patient who attended yearly exams. A podiatrist spotted circulation issues early and recommended lifestyle changes and custom shoes. That proactive care prevented ulcers and hospitalisation.
The difference between these two outcomes was not luck—it was early detection and consistent exams.
The Bigger Picture
Foot health reflects overall health. Poor circulation and nerve damage signal broader issues in the body. By prioritising exams, patients protect not only their feet but also their independence and quality of life.
As one expert put it: “When we save a foot, we’re really saving mobility, freedom, and dignity. That’s why regular exams matter so much.”
Actionable Takeaways
- Inspect feet daily for cuts, swelling, or changes in colour.
- Wash and moisturise feet regularly to keep skin healthy.
- Always wear well-fitting shoes and never go barefoot.
- Visit a podiatrist at least once a year for an exam.
- Act quickly if any foot issue does not heal within a few days.
Final Thoughts
Diabetes adds hidden risks to everyday life, especially for the feet, says Gelbmann Podiatry. But with regular exams and consistent care, many of these risks can be managed—or even prevented.
Catching small problems early saves more than feet. It preserves mobility, independence, and health. Foot care should not be an afterthought for people living with diabetes—it should be a priority.
