If you have diabetes, it’s worth knowing how diabetes affects your feet. Over time, raised blood sugar can change the feeling, the circulation and the skin in your feet, often slowly and without any pain, so it’s easy to miss.
The good news is that knowing what to look for, and a few minutes of care each day, makes a real difference. Here, our HCPC-registered podiatrists at our Longridge and Broughton clinics explain what can happen, the signs to look out for, and how to protect your feet. With World Diabetes Day on 14 November, there’s no better time to give your feet some attention.
How diabetes affects your feet
Over time, high blood sugar can damage the small blood vessels and the nerves in your body. Your feet are furthest from your heart and carry your weight all day, so they’re often where the changes show first.
There are three main ways diabetes affects your feet: the nerves, the circulation, and the skin and nails.
Nerves: numbness, tingling and burning
Diabetes is the most common cause of nerve damage in the feet in the UK. This is called peripheral neuropathy, and it usually comes on gradually. You might notice:
- tingling or pins and needles
- numbness, or feet that feel “not quite yours”
- burning, stabbing or shooting pains, often worse at night
- feet that don’t sweat as much as they used to
The biggest worry with numb feet is that you may not feel a stone in your shoe, a blister or a small cut. Over time, nerve damage can also change the shape of your feet, for example claw or hammer toes, which creates new pressure points where hard skin and corns build up.
Circulation: cold feet and slow healing
Diabetes can also reduce the blood supply to your feet. Less blood means less oxygen reaching the skin, so small injuries take longer to heal. Signs of poor circulation in the feet include:
- cold feet, even when the rest of you is warm
- cramp in your calves when you walk or rest
- shiny, smooth skin on your feet and lower legs
- less hair on your legs and feet
- cuts or sores that are slow to heal
Skin and nails
When the nerves that control sweating are affected, the skin on your feet can become very dry and crack, especially around the heels. Cracks are a way in for infection.
Hard skin and corns can build up over pressure points and, if left, the skin underneath can break down. Fungal infections, thick nails and ingrowing toenails also need more care than usual, because any break in the skin heals more slowly.
Why small problems matter
With diabetes, a small problem can become a big one more quickly. Diabetes UK says diabetes leads to more than 180 amputations a week in the UK, and that many of these can be prevented with good foot care and getting help early.
That figure can feel frightening, but the message is a positive one. Most foot problems are picked up early by people who look at their feet regularly and get help quickly when something changes.
Your yearly foot check
If you have diabetes, you should have your feet checked at least once a year. This is free on the NHS as part of your yearly diabetes review, usually through your GP practice, so do keep going.
The check doesn’t hurt. Your feet are looked at all over, your foot pulses are felt, and the feeling in your feet is tested with a soft nylon thread (a monofilament) and sometimes a tuning fork. Afterwards, you’ll be told whether your feet are low, moderate or high risk, which tells you how much extra care they need.
Looking after your feet every day
A few minutes a day is the best protection you can give your feet:
- Look at your feet every day, including the soles and between your toes. A mirror helps, or ask someone to look for you.
- Wash your feet daily and dry them well, especially between your toes.
- Moisturise dry skin, but not between your toes.
- Don’t walk barefoot, even at home.
- Check inside your shoes for stones or rough seams before you put them on.
- Wear well-fitting shoes and seamless socks.
- Don’t use corn plasters or try to cut corns or hard skin yourself.
- If your feet are numb, keep them away from radiators, fires and hot water bottles, and test bath water with your elbow.
- Get help with your nails if you can’t see or reach them well.
Warning signs: get help the same day
Contact your GP, diabetes team or foot protection team the same day, or call NHS 111 out of hours, if you notice:
- a cut, blister or sore that isn’t healing
- redness, heat or swelling in your foot
- a change in the colour of your foot or toes
- a change in the shape of your foot
- a foot wound and you feel unwell
Don’t burst blisters yourself. If you notice any of these signs, don’t wait for a routine appointment with us. Get help straight away.
How we can help
Our HCPC-registered podiatrists help many people with diabetes keep their feet comfortable and healthy. We can cut your nails, safely reduce hard skin and corns, and give advice on footwear and skin care. You can read more about this on our Traditional Podiatry page routine foot care page, and more about diabetes and your feet.
At your first appointment, we always check the circulation and feeling in your feet. If we find a problem, we refer you urgently to the NHS and, if you’re happy for us to, let your GP know too. You don’t need a GP referral to see us.
What our patients say
“I am diabetic (type2) and worry about my feet as diabetes increases the risk of infection and serious complications… I was nervous but I was immediately put at ease… She examined my feet, checked the pulses and carried out tests to check my nerves for neuropathy. All was well.”
– Google review, Broughton clinic
“…She was very good, especially as I’m diabetic. My feet feel great…”
– Google review, Broughton clinic
Frequently asked questions
How does diabetes affect your feet?
Over time, raised blood sugar can damage the nerves and blood vessels in your feet. This can cause numbness, poor circulation, dry skin and slow healing, so small problems can become serious if they’re missed.
Why does diabetes make your feet numb or tingly?
High blood sugar can damage the nerves in your feet, which is called peripheral neuropathy. It often starts as tingling or pins and needles and can lead to numbness.
Can diabetes cause burning or painful feet?
Yes. Nerve damage can cause burning, stabbing or shooting pains, often worse at night. Speak to your GP or diabetes team if you have these symptoms.
Why are my feet always cold if I have diabetes?
Cold feet can be a sign of reduced circulation, which is more common with diabetes. Mention it at your yearly foot check or to your GP, and keep your feet warm with socks rather than direct heat.
Why does diabetes cause dry, cracked skin on the feet?
Nerve damage can mean your feet sweat less, so the skin dries out and cracks, especially on the heels. Moisturising daily helps, but not between your toes.
Why do cuts heal slowly with diabetes?
Reduced blood supply means less oxygen reaches the skin, so cuts and sores heal more slowly. That’s why it’s important to check your feet daily and get help quickly.
Can nerve damage in the feet be reversed?
Not always. But keeping your blood sugar as close to target as you can, stopping smoking and cutting down on alcohol can help stop it getting worse, and the earlier it’s found, the better.
Can I cut my own toenails if I have diabetes?
Many people can, if they can see and reach their feet well and have good feeling. If you can’t, or your nails are thick or ingrowing, it’s safer to let a podiatrist do it.
Should I use corn plasters if I have diabetes?
No. Corn plasters contain acid that can damage the skin and cause a wound. See a podiatrist to have corns and hard skin removed safely.
How often should my feet be checked?
At least once a year, at your free NHS diabetes review. You should also look at your own feet every day.
What warning signs mean I should get help the same day?
A cut, blister or sore that isn’t healing, redness, heat or swelling, a change in colour or shape, or feeling unwell with a foot wound. Contact your GP or diabetes team the same day, or NHS 111 out of hours.
Do I need a GP referral to see a podiatrist?
No. You can book directly with us at our Longridge or Broughton clinic.
Looking after your feet with diabetes
Knowing how diabetes affects your feet is the first step to protecting them. If you have diabetes and would like help looking after your feet, book a New Patient Assessment at our Longridge or Broughton clinic. It’s £65, including your first treatment, and you don’t need a GP referral. See our prices.
And remember: if you notice a warning sign, don’t wait for an appointment with us. Contact your GP or diabetes team the same day.
