If you are living with diabetes, looking after your feet is an important part of staying healthy.

Foot problems can be a common complication of diabetes. Your feet are at risk because diabetes can cause damage to the nerves in your feet and poor blood circulation, leading to infection.

Why do I need to look after my feet? 

Staying aware of the risks and taking care of your feet can prevent serious issues like foot ulcers and even amputations of toes, feet or limbs.

Australia has the second highest rate of diabetes related amputations in the developed world. Rates are particularly high in rural and remote settings, and amongst Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The good news is, around 85% of diabetes related amputations are preventable if wounds are detected early and managed appropriately.

Diabetes Australia would like to thank Bush Tucker Bunjie and Jarrod Harbrow for producing these videos and helping get the word out about diabetes-relates foot complications and the impact on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Watch the video: Looking after you feet and preventing diabetes related complications.

How can I look after my feet? 

Watch the video: Bush Tucker Bunjie shares some top tips for looking after your feet.

Tip 1 – Keep your blood glucose levels in check 

Stable blood glucose levels will help to lower the risk of foot problems.

High blood glucose levels over time can cause nerve damage which makes it hard to feel sensation in your feet. This lack of sensation can mean that you might not feel it if you have injured your feet. If you are having difficulty keeping your blood glucose levels within your target range, talk to your healthcare worker, doctor or diabetes educator.  

Tip 2 – Wash and check your feet every day 

Take care of your skin

Wash your feet every day. If you live in a dry and dusty environment, you may need to wash and check your feet more regularly. Be sure to dry all areas thoroughly, especially between the toes.

Apply moisturiser every day but not between the toes. Keep the area between your toes dry to reduce the risk of getting fungal infections. 

Check your feet daily

Get to know your feet and check them every day. This is especially important if you live in rural or remote areas of Australia with a hot climate, as this may cause sweating and increase risk of blisters and ulcers.

Daily checks of your feet are important to catch any changes in the look and feel of your feet. Use a mirror or ask a family member or carer to help if you have trouble reaching your feet.

Check all areas of your feet including the soles and between the toes. Look for:  

• dry skin or excessive moisture  
• thickened skin, such as calluses or corns  
• breaks in the skin, such as cracks, blisters or ulcers  
• signs of infection, including redness or darker skin than usual  
• any change in the shape and thickness of your nails, and any in-grown nails  
• any change in the shape of your feet, such as bunions or claw toes.  

Tip 3 – Look after callouses and corns if you have them 

Corns and callus are areas of hard skin that build-up due to abnormal pressures occurring in the foot. It is important to care for these, as they can cause damage to your skin.  

Firstly, find a pumice stone, some fine sandpaper, or a pot scourer to help reduce the thick skin. Avoid using over-the-counter corn cures as they can cause ulcers in people with diabetes. Put your feet in some water with soap, then gently rub the area of thick skin. Do this a few times until it feels smooth.

After you have dried your feet, you also need to moisturise them. Every day, rub it into your skin, but not between your toes. If this does not help, you should organise an appointment at your local health clinic to have the hard skin checked. Don’t wait for your annual visit because if untreated, these injuries may not heal due to lack of blood supply and infection.  

Tip 4 – Treat any sores or cuts on your feet  

If you notice any sores or cuts, it is important to treat them.  

If you find a cut, blister, sore, red area or open crack, you should immediately:  

• wash and dry the area  
• apply a good antiseptic such as Betadine, then  
• cover with a band aid or sterile dressing, available from pharmacies or your local healthcare clinic.  

If the injury doesn’t improve within 24 hours, make an urgent appointment at your local healthcare clinic. It could help you avoid serious complications. 

Tip 5 – Protect your feet with good shoes and always wear socks 

Your feet need protection so they don’t get cut and damaged from things you might walk on.

Always wear some kind of footwear, and make sure your shoes fit, otherwise they can hurt your feet and make them worse. If wearing closed end shoes, make sure you wear socks to help prevent blisters. And remember to change your socks every day to prevent infection, especially if you have a sore or cut.

Before putting on your shoes, make sure they don’t have any stones in them, and they don’t have any torn lining that could rub on your feet. Closed end shoes are best, but any kind of footwear is better than nothing, even if it’s thongs.  

Tip 6 – Get your feet checked every 12 months even if you think they’re ok 

Every year you should have your feet checked by a health care worker, doctor, diabetes educator or podiatrist. This will help you catch the signs early and prevent damage before it starts. 

At your check-up, your health professional will look at:  

• blood flow to your feet (circulation)  
• feeling and reflexes (nerves)  
• unusual foot shapes (bunions, claw toes, hammer toes)  
• toenails  
• dryness, calluses, corns, cracks or infections.

If you look after your feet, they will look after you.  

This educational program is supported by a sponsorship provided by Abbott.