Protecting Your Foot Health While Managing Diabetes
By: Claire Capobianco, DPM, FACFAS
November is American Diabetes Month, a time to raise awareness about diabetes and the importance of preventing potential serious complications if left untreated.
You will want to do everything you can to protect your overall health, and that's a lot to think about. Most people know that diabetes affects blood sugar levels, but the condition can also impact other areas.
High blood sugar can damage your nerves and blood vessels, potentially causing problems with your eyes, kidneys, digestive system, and even your feet. In some cases, small cuts or blisters can develop on your feet.
As a podiatrist and fellowship-trained surgeon, I see patients who do not seek treatment, and these seemingly insignificant symptoms can lead to ulcers or serious infections.
The good news is that knowing what to look for and taking a few simple precautions can go a long way toward keeping your feet healthy.
Signs of Diabetes-Related Foot Problems
Knowing how to recognize the early signs of foot problems can help you get the care you need before complications develop. Here’s what to watch for.
- Numbness in your feet – an indicator of potential nerve damage
- A tingling sensation in your feet – an indicator of potential nerve damage
- Foot wounds or ulcers that are slow to heal or don’t heal at all
- Swelling, redness, or deformities in your feet
- Fractures or foot injuries that occur without an obvious cause
Tips for Protecting Your Feet
Follow these steps to keep your feet healthy and avoid issues down the road.
- See a podiatrist or your diabetes specialist regularly, even if you are not having any issues and feel well
- Check your feet consistently, looking out for cuts, redness, or swelling
- Regularly wash and dry your feet, including the areas between your toes
- Apply moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated and healthy
- Choose comfortable shoes and socks; never go barefoot, even when you are indoors
- Don’t smoke
The most important thing to remember is that your healthcare team is here to support you and address any concerns that arise – in your feet or anywhere else. A big part of proper diabetes management is knowing your body, understanding what is normal and what isn’t, and seeking care when you need it. Proactive and early care can make a big difference in helping you stay as healthy as possible.
Beebe Healthcare offers comprehensive diabetes care and support to help you manage your health. Learn more about Beebe's diabetes services.
Claire M Capobianco, DPM, FACFAS, is a podiatry specialist who practices at Beebe Healthcare. She is fellowship-trained and board certified in forefoot, rearfoot and ankle surgery. Dr. Capobianco received her undergraduate degree from Lehigh University in behavioral neuroscience and completed her foot and ankle training at Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine. She then completed her podiatric surgery residency at Swedish Medical Center in Seattle, with extensive exposure to functional foot and ankle reconstruction, revisional surgery, and general foot and ankle surgery.
