With diabetes, it means you’re much more likely to develop problems with your feet – problems that could end up as amputations. But most amputations can be prevented. If you take good care of your feet and check them regularly, you can reduce your risk of developing foot problems.
So watch our video and take a look through our simple steps to having healthy feet every day.
Looking after your feet on a daily basis can be tough especially if you’ve lost any sensation in them. If this is the case, it’s a good idea to speak to your healthcare team as you may need help from a podiatrist.
We’ve put together some everyday tips which should help you keep your feet in check. We’ve also got a guide full of information on looking after your feet that you can download (PDF, 1.3MB). You can order a printed version of this leaflet for free from our shop as well.
Most people know that smoking isn’t good for you. But when you have diabetes, smoking causes even more problems. Smoking makes it harder for blood circulation, which is when blood moves around your body, including to your feet. So this puts you at even more of a risk of amputation.
If you think you might need help to stop smoking, take the first step and ask your healthcare team for support.
Keeping your blood sugar within target will help prevent damage to your feet and can stop things getting worse. Easier said than done. Maybe you need help knowing how to eat well and stay active? Or your medication isn’t working as well as it could be? Or perhaps it just feels like things are getting on top of you?
We’ve got lots of information to help you manage your blood pressure, cholesterol and know your blood sugar levels.
And there are a number of courses you can go on that can help you manage your diabetes. Speak to a healthcare professional about which course is right for you.
It’s also a good idea to speak to a support group or our helpline. Together, we can help you manage your diabetes.
Because of your diabetes, foot problems can get worse quickly. That’s why we’ve got some guidance on what signs to look out for when you check your feet.
Whether you’re about to put your socks on, or you’re taking them off before bed, have a good look. Any changes, and you should see a healthcare professional straight away.
If you struggle to lift your feet up, then you might want to use a mirror to see the soles of your feet. If this is too hard, or if your eyesight is not as good as it was, try to get someone else to check your feet for you. And if you need help but live alone, it’s good to speak to a healthcare professional about how to check your feet.
If you’ve lost any feeling in your feet, you need to be especially careful as you won’t know if you’ve hurt yourself. If you’re unsure if you’ve lost any feeling, you ask someone to help you do the Touch the toes test or speak to a healthcare professional.
