rates among persons with diabetes the fifth deadliest disease in the Diabetes Association (ADA) and other leading medical groups Diabetes has a prevalence …
Foot Care with Diabetes
Increase High blood sugar from diabetes causes two problems with your feet 1 High sugar in your blood can damage nerves in your legs and feet 2 High sugar in your blood can also slow down the flow of blood to your legs and feet A sore or infection may take longer to heal If you smoke and have diabetes this makes blood flow problems much worse You may have heard about someone who has had an amputation If you take care of your feet every day this does not have to happen
What can you do to take care of your feet?
Tell your doctor right away about any foot problems Do not let small problems become big problems Wash your feet in warm water every day Do not use hot water Do not soak your feet Dry your feet well, even between your toes Look at your feet every day Check for sores, blisters, redness, calluses, or other problems Use a mirror if you cannot check your feet by lifting them up You can also ask someone else to check your feet
If your skin is dry, rub lotion on your feet after you wash and dry them Do not put lotion between your toes File corns and calluses gently Use an emery board or pumice stone Do this after your bath or shower Move the emery board
in only one direction Cut your toenails once a week Cut toenails after a bath or shower when they are soft Cut them in the shape of the toe and not too short Do not cut int 
o the corners because you might cut the skin If you cannot cut your own toenails, ask a friend or family member
over
Never walk barefoot Always wear shoes or slippers, even when you are at home Always wear socks or panty hose Do not wear socks or stockings that are too tight below your knee
Wear shoes that fit well Buy shoes made of canvas or leather Shop for shoes at the end of the day when your feet are bigger Break in shoes slowly Wear them 1 to 2 hours each day for the first 1 to 2 weeks When buying new shoes, take a piece of paper and draw the outline of your foot Place your shoe on top of the outline If you can see the outline of your foot, your shoes are too small
What can you do at your doctor visits?
Take off your shoes and socks at every visit Ask your doctor to look at your feet Ask your doctor to check the feeling in your feet It is a very simple test
For more information
Contact a Diabetes Educator nurses, dietitians, pharmacists, and other health professionals
To find a diabetes
teacher near you, call:
The American Association of Diabetes Educators toll-free at 1-800-TEAMUP4 1-800-832-6874
or visit the website at wwwaadenetorg and click on Find an Educator
All Material on this handout is for information only This does not replace your doctors advice
Adapted from the National Diabetes Clearinghouse Website Publication
