Summer is almost here! It’s the perfect time to head outdoors, enjoy the sunshine, and spend time with family and friends. As the weather gets warmer, many of us swap our covered shoes for sandals, thongs, or even go barefoot at the beach and around the pool.

While summer is a great time to get outside, it’s also important to take care of your feet, especially if you live with diabetes.

People living with diabetes have a higher risk of developing foot problems. Over time, elevated blood glucose levels can damage blood vessels and nerves. This may reduce blood flow to the feet, which can slow the healing process. Diabetes-related nerve damage can also make it harder to feel cuts, blisters, burns, and other injuries.

Looking after your feet

A few simple habits can go a long way in protecting your feet:

• Have a diabetes foot assessment at least once a year
• Check your feet every day. Look for cuts, blisters, redness, swelling, or anything unusual
• Learn more about daily foot care through the Foot Forward website
• Seek treatment early if you notice a problem. Most serious diabetes-related foot complications can be prevented when issues are identified and treated early
• Aim to keep your blood glucose levels within your target range as often as possible
• Wear well-fitting footwear that protects your feet both indoors and outdoors

Summer foot hazards

Summer can bring some extra challenges for your feet.

• Hot sand, footpaths, and concrete can cause burns
• Walking barefoot increases the risk of cuts, splinters, and injuries
• Increased sweating can lead to fungal infections
• Open sandals can leave your feet exposed to sun damage and dryness, which can cause cracked skin
• If you have reduced feeling in your feet (neuropathy), you may not notice an injury straight away

Summer foot care tips

Keep your feet happy and healthy this summer by:

• Checking your feet every day for cuts, blisters, redness, swelling, or signs of infection
• Washing your feet daily and drying them carefully, especially between the toes
• Using moisturiser on dry skin, particularly around the heels and sides of the feet. Avoid putting moisturiser between the toes
• Wearing comfortable, well-fitting shoes that protect your feet
• Choosing cotton or bamboo socks to help your feet stay cool, breathe, and absorb excess sweat
• Checking inside your shoes before putting them on to make sure there are no stones, rough areas, or objects that could damage your skin

Stay safe around water

Beach and pool days are some of the best parts of summer, but they can also pose risks to your feet.

Hot sand, rough surfaces, sharp shells, and broken glass can cause injuries. If you have nerve damage, you may not feel these injuries straight away.

To protect your feet:

• Wear sandals, reef shoes, water shoes, or thongs when walking around pools, beaches, and other outdoor areas
• After swimming, dry your feet thoroughly, including between your toes
• Take a moment to check your feet for cuts, blisters, or other injuries
• Seek advice from your healthcare professional if you notice any foot problem, even if they seem minor. Early treatment can prevent more serious complications

Have you had your annual foot check?

If you haven’t had your annual diabetes foot assessment yet, now is a great time to book one. Speak with your GP, as you may need a referral to a podiatrist.  

The diabetes foot assessment includes looking at your:

• Circulation to assess blood flow to your feet
• Nerves to assess sensation and reflexes to identify any signs of nerve damage called neuropathy

• Skin and foot structure

The good news is that regular foot checks can help identify problems early and reduce the risk of serious complications. Having a diabetes foot assessment can help you understand your individual level of risk. A podiatrist or other healthcare professional can check how well the blood is circulating to your feet and whether your nerves are working properly.

To learn more about diabetes foot care, visit the NDSS Foot Forward website or read the Foot Health and Diabetes Fact Sheet | NDSS.

Enjoy this summer. A little extra care can help keep you active, comfortable, and ready for every step of the journey.

By Monica McDaniel-Wong, Credentialled Diabetes Educator