Your feet and diabetes

It’s important to remember: if you have diabetes, you are always at risk of foot problems, this can include infection and amputation.

Your practitioner will tell you your foot risk at your annual review. This could be low, moderate, or high risk of developing a foot problem. Foot problems can happen to anyone with diabetes, no matter your risk score, so acting quickly is vital.

Breaks in the skin or wounds may heal more slowly or sometimes not at all because of diabetes. These wounds can become infected, and poor circulation and reduced feeling in your feet can make healing harder. Careful foot care and regular podiatry support will help reduce this risk.

Take your prescribed medicines

The medicines you have been prescribed help lower your risk of serious problems this includes medications for blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes. If you are finding it hard to take them, please contact your diabetes care provider for advice and support.

Smoking and vaping

The nicotine from smoking and vaping affects the blood supply to your feet and increases your risk of foot complications. If you smoke or vape, we strongly advise you to stop. Act now by ringing 0800 169 4219 or visit the Leeds Stop Smoking website

If you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, Leeds offers programmes and peer support to help you manage your condition every day, from healthy eating to mental wellbeing. Please visit the LCH diabetes service page

You can also get help with mental health or other challenges that make diabetes harder to manage, like money worries or bereavement. Ask your care provider can connect you to the right people.

Annual flu jab

People living with diabetes should get their free NHS flu jab to reduce their risk of getting the flu. This is because people with diabetes are at increased risk of becoming seriously ill from the flu.

Hand hygiene

Hand hygiene is an important part of staying healthy. Washing your hands regularly with soap and warm water helps prevent infections. Make sure to clean all parts of your hands, including between the fingers and around the nails, and dry them thoroughly. Keeping your hands clean is a simple way to protect your health every day.

Check your feet daily

You or your carer should check your feet every day for any blisters, breaks in the skin, pain or any signs of infection such as swelling, heat or redness (or colour change).

• If you discover any breaks in the skin or blisters, cover them with a clean (sterile) dressing.
• If you usually don’t feel pain because of nerve damage (neuropathy) and you suddenly have pain, it could mean you have an infection. Get help straight away.
• Do not burst blisters.

Wash your feet every day

Use warm water (body temperature at about 36°C). Test the temperature with your elbow or ask someone to check it for you. Wash your feet with mild soap, rinse well, and dry carefully especially between your toes.

• Do not soak your feet as this can damage your skin.
• Do not use heat pads directly on your skin.

Skin care

If your skin is dry, apply a moisturising cream every day, but avoid the areas between your toes. Put sun cream on your feet when they’re exposed to the sun.

Socks, stockings and tights

Change them every day. Choose ones without bulky seams and avoid elastic tops.

Avoid walking barefoot
Walking barefoot can lead to injuries from stubbing your toes or stepping on sharp objects.

Toenails, hard skin and corns

Your podiatrist will advise if you need podiatry support to manage your feet. Do not try to remove hard skin or corns yourself. Do not use over-the-counter corn treatments, they can damage your skin and cause wounds.

Check your shoes

Before putting shoes on, check the soles to ensure they are not damaged. Check the inside of each shoe to make sure there are no small stones or other items that could rub your foot. You can either shake your shoe or inspect with your hand. Shoes that don’t fit well can cause pressure and skin damage. We recommend having the width and length of the foot measured.

Prescription shoes

If you have prescription shoes, wear only these. They are made for your feet and usually come with insoles, do not remove them unless your podiatrist or orthotist tells you to. Any repairs or changes should be done by the person who supplied them.

Avoid extreme temperatures

If your feet are cold, wear socks. Never warm your feet by sitting close to a fire. Remove hot water bottles or heating pads from your bed before getting in.

• Leeds Podiatry information
• Leeds’ Diabetes information
• Diabetes Eye Screening: Phone on 0113 867 2500 or email enquiries.lmydesp@nhs.net
• Diabetes UK:
  • Diabetes UK website
  • Helpline: 0345 123 2399
  • For anyone with diabetes, their family or friends, or people worried about their risk. Please note, they cannot access your medical records.