5 Tips for Healthy Feet While Managing Diabetes

Over 40 million Americans — or about 12% of people in the United States — have diabetes, making it a common chronic disease. By impacting the way your body produces or uses insulin, diabetes can impact virtually every part of your body, including your feet.

In fact, foot health issues are one of the most prevalent diabetes complications. In severe cases, chronically high blood sugar can lead to the need for foot amputation. 

Thankfully, keeping your feet healthy when you have diabetes is generally quite doable. 

At Babak Kosari, DPM, in Northridge and Santa Clarita, California, board-certified foot and ankle surgeon Babak Kosari, DPM, FACFAS, is pleased to provide a full scope of diabetic foot care services. Here, he offers five tips for cultivating lasting foot health.

1. Wear appropriate shoes

While supportive shoes are important for everyone, they’re especially important when you have diabetes. About six in 10 people with diabetes wear poorly fitting shoes, which can raise your risk for circulation problems, foot pain, and wounds.

Even minor foot abrasions can lead to slow-healing ulcers, which diabetes can make difficult to detect due to nerve damage (neuropathy). If an ulcer becomes infected, you run the risk of tissue death.

Look for shoes that leave a bit of “wiggle room” around your toes, support the shape of your feet, and keep you stable. Avoid narrow, high heeled, and flip-flop-style shoes. 

Wear your supportive shoes whenever you’re on your feet, including inside your home.

2. Examine your feet regularly

Be sure to visually examine your feet every day, especially if you’re prone to lower extremity tingling and numbness. Every day, glance over the tops and bottoms of your feet, as well as between your toes, looking for cuts or scrapes.

If you notice any broken skin, clean the wound and cover it with a bandage. Continue to keep it clean, dry, and protected as it heals. For any cut, scrape, or wound that’s more severe, worsening, or lingering, consult our office ASAP.

3. Wash your feet well daily

Washing your feet well can help prevent potentially harmful bacteria from gathering or entering your feet. That means a lower infection risk. Simply cleanse your feet in warm water, using a mild soap. Avoid hot water, and don’t soak your feet.

Once your feet are washed, dry them completely. Then smoothe lotion onto the tops and bottoms, avoiding the areas in between your toes.

4. Manage your blood sugar

High blood sugar can damage blood vessels and nerves in your feet, fueling a range of serious complications — including ulcers, infections, and tissue death (gangrene). Eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and taking any prescribed diabetes medication as directed can help you control your blood sugar levels and avoid these worrisome complications. 

A diabetes-friendly diet typically involves balanced meals and snacks that emphasize nutritious foods, like vegetables, whole grains, fish, and legumes. Aim to exercise for 30-60 minutes most days to keep your blood sugar levels stabilized.

5. Schedule routine foot exams

Routine podiatry exams can enhance your foot health while you manage diabetes. Whether you’re experiencing symptoms or not, Dr. Kosari can detect and treat foot-related issues early, helping you avoid potential complications down the road.

Routine foot exams also give you a chance to ask any questions you may have about foot health and diabetes and gain personalized support for staying on a positive track.

To learn more or get started, call your nearest Babak Kosari, DPM, office in Northridge or Santa Clarita, California, today. You can also use our online scheduler to book an appointment at your convenience.