Diabetes and your Feet

Check your feet daily

• look underneath and in-between the toes. Use a mirror
• or ask a friend or family member to help if necessary
• you are checking for anything unusual for you

Seek advice for

• cuts, cracks or breaks in the skin
• unusual colour changes
• swelling
• discharges such as pus
• pain, tingling, numbness or loss of feeling

Wash feet daily

• in warm, soapy water
• dry well
• apply surgical spirit between the toes if moist
• apply a moisturiser to any dry areas (but not between the toes)

Cut toe nails

• straight across, not too short, and never dig down the sides OR
• file regularly

Footwear

• must fit properly, with enough length, width and depth for the toes.
• a lace-up or bar fastening will prevent the foot moving in the shoe
• check before putting your footwear on that nothing has fallen into it or stuck into the sole

Avoid

• walking bare foot
• self-treatment, especially for corns and callous

If you find a problem then

• wash any wound with clean water only
• cover with a sterile dressing
• consult your Podiatrist, Nurse or GP as soon as possible