Approximately 16.5 million seniors have diabetes, which is nearly 1 in 3. Managing diabetes requires careful attention to many aspects of health, and feet are no exception. Diabetes can lead to complications that affect the feet, making proper care a critical part of your daily routine.

Let’s explore the importance of diabetic foot care, the potential complications of neglecting foot health, and practical tips for keeping feet healthy.

Diabetes & Feet Connection

High blood sugar is both a primary symptom and a cause of diabetes. Prolonged elevated blood sugar levels damage, harden, and narrow blood vessels and white blood cells. This means that diabetes significantly impacts your nerves, circulation, and immune system, increasing the risk of foot problems for those living with the condition.

Risks of Neglecting Proper Foot Care

It’s essential to take diabetic foot care seriously. If not managed properly, diabetes can result in serious complications such as:

• Nerve Damage. About half of all people with diabetes have some form of nerve damage as an effect of high blood sugar over time. This can lead to dulled senses, causing injuries to go unnoticed.
• Poor Circulation. Diabetes can also reduce blood flow to the feet, making it harder for wounds to heal and increasing the likelihood of infection.
• Calluses. Foot calluses build up faster and more often for people with diabetes. If not properly maintained, calluses can break down and turn into ulcers.
• Foot Ulcers. These open wounds are commonly located on the bottom of the foot. Foot ulcers increase the risk of hospitalization due to infection.
• Amputation. Diabetes is the number one cause of nontraumatic lower extremity amputations in the U.S. Around 14-24% of people with diabetic foot ulcers will have an amputation.

Foot Care Tips for People with Diabetes

With proper diabetic foot care, the associated risks can be significantly minimized.

Check Feet Daily

Inspect your feet for cuts, swelling, skin changes, corns/calluses, redness, blisters, and nail problems. If you notice any changes, contact your doctor.

Wash Your Feet

Bathe your feet daily in warm, soapy water. Never use hot water, as nerve damage in your feet can reduce sensation and increase your risk for burns.

Moisturize

After each wash, dry your feet thoroughly and apply a layer of lotion or petroleum jelly to prevent dry, cracked skin. Avoid applying moisturizer between your toes, as this increases the risk of a fungal infection.

Cut Your Toenails Carefully

Trim nails straight across and carefully file any sharp edges. Avoid cutting your nails too short, as this can lead to ingrown toenails. Don’t let your toenails get too long, either. You risk injuries, pressure points, infections, and more. If you have low vision, mobility issues, or very thick nails, have a podiatrist trim your nails.

Wear Proper Footwear

Wearing the right shoes prevents injuries, ulcers, and complications. Ensure shoes are comfortable, well-fitted, wide-toed, and cushioned with a soft interior, supportive sole, and breathable material. Avoid open-toed shoes, high heels, and stiff materials.

Manage Your Blood Sugar

Keeping blood sugar levels in a healthy range is one of the most important ways to manage your diabetes. As previously mentioned, high blood sugar can severely damage your nerves, blood vessels, and immune system, leading to serious foot complications.

Stay Active

While staying active is essential for all seniors, it’s especially important for those living with diabetes. Regular physical activity helps boost circulation, reduce nerve damage, and lower the risk of foot ulcers and infections.  

Schedule Regular Checkups

Seeing your doctor regularly helps detect and prevent foot complications before they become serious. Get your feet checked at every primary care visit, and schedule regular appointments with a podiatrist.

World-Class Care

Grand Oaks Senior Living is located on the campus of Sibley Memorial Hospital, part of Johns Hopkins Medicine. In addition to Grand Oaks’ 24/7 nursing support, Sibley offers a full team of foot specialists who can help with shoe wear modifications and orthotics, medication, physical therapy, and more.