Foot Health and Diabetes

An area that can sometimes be overlooked is foot health. And yet, feet are often one of the first places where diabetes-related complications show up. Keeping a step ahead when it comes to your foot health is so important.  

Why diabetes affects you foot health  

Diabetes can damage nerves and blood vessels, especially in your lower limbs. This can lead to a condition called diabetic neuropathy, which affects up to 50 percent of all people with diabetes. When nerves damage occurs, it’s possible that you may not feel pain, heat, or other injuries in your feet. When combined with reduced blood flow, even a small cut or blister can become a serious problem. 

In Australia, close to 4,500 diabetes-related amputations happen each year. The good news is that most of these are preventable with early care and routine attention. 

What is diabetic neuropathy? 

Peripheral neuropathy, or diabetic neuropathy is the most common type of nerve damage in diabetes. It usually starts in the toes and feet and may cause: 

• Tingling or burning sensations 
• Numbness or reduced feeling 
• Sharp pains or cramps 
• Muscle weakness 
• Loss of balance 

But strangely, some people report not noticing any symptoms at all. That’s why regular foot checks are so important, even if everything feels fine. 

The annual cycle of care 

Every person living with diabetes in Australia should have an annual cycle of care checklist. This includes a foot check focusing on circulation, nerve function, and the condition of your skin. Your podiatrist can also look after your nails, ensuring there are no ingrown nails or issues with your nail beds. 

Other items on the annual cycle of care include: 

• Optometry appointments  
• Blood pressure and cholesterol checks 
• Kidney function tests 
• HbA1c (average blood glucose) monitoring 

Your GP or diabetes care team will help you stay on track. The annual cycle of care is designed to help people living with diabetes catch any concerns early before they become a problem. 

Daily care goes a long way.

When it comes to foot health, a little bit of daily care goes a long way. Here are some simple things you can add to your routine to protect your feet. 

• Check your feet daily for cuts, blisters, redness, or swelling. 
• Wash and moisturise your feet. Make sure they are completely dry, especially between your toes but avoid putting lotion between your toes. 
• Trim your toenails carefully or book your podiatrist every 6 to 8 weeks and have them cut them for you. If you are doing your own, straight across is best and not too short. 
• Wear shoes that fit well and check inside them before putting them on. Even the smallest stone can make the biggest difference to your foot. 
• It’s great advice to not walk barefoot, even at home.

Most importantly, if something doesn’t look or feel right, see a health professional, even outside of your annual cycle or regular appointments. Don’t wait for it to get worse. 

Your feet carry you through life, quite literally. With diabetes, they need a little extra love and attention. Make your foot care part of your daily routine, stay on top of your annual checks, and don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare team if you have concerns. 

Additional resources 

Here are some trusted resources to help you stay informed: 

Brain Foundation: https://brainfoundation.org.au/disorders/peripheral-neuropathy/ 

RACGP Guidelines – Clinical advice on managing diabetes-related neuropathy. 
https://www.racgp.org.au/clinical-resources/clinical-guidelines/key-racgp-guidelines/view-all-racgp-guidelines/management-of-type-2-diabetes/complications/diabetes-related-neuropathy