Published on April 01, 2025

Put Your Best Foot Forward: Understanding the Importance of Foot Health & the Connection to Diabetes

Three sets of bare feet.

Taking care of your feet is important for everyone, but it’s even more important if you have diabetes. Diabetes can cause nerve damage and poor blood flow, which can lead to serious problems like infections or even losing a limb. The good news is that you can lower these risks by keeping your blood sugar under control and caring for your feet. No matter who you are, paying attention to your feet can help you stay healthy and keep moving.

Common Foot Complications

Calluses

People with diabetes get calluses more often and more quickly than those without diabetes. Too many calluses may mean you need special shoes or inserts. If not trimmed, they can become thick, breakdown and turn into open sores (ulcers).

Dry/Cracked/Peeling Skin

Diabetes can make the skin on your feet very dry, causing peeling and cracking. This happens because nerve damage affects your body’s ability to keep your skin moist and healthy.

Foot Ulcers

Ulcers often appear on the ball of the foot or under the big toe. Ulcers on the sides of the foot may be caused by tight shoes. Even if they don’t hurt, see a doctor right away. If left untreated, ulcers can get infected and lead to serious problems, including limb loss.

Limb Loss

People with diabetes have a higher chance of losing a foot or leg due to nerve damage, poor circulation, ulcers and infections. Checking your feet daily, wearing proper shoes and visiting your doctor regularly can help prevent this. Most cases of limb loss can be avoided with good foot care.

Nerve Damage

Diabetic nerve damage (neuropathy) can make it hard to feel pain, heat or coldness. This means you might not notice a foot injury until it gets worse. Neuropathy can also change the shape of your feet and toes. If regular shoes don’t fit well, ask your doctor about special shoes or inserts.

Poor Circulation

Diabetes can slow the blood flow in your feet and legs, making it harder for wounds to heal and fight infections. It can also cause blood vessels to become narrow and stiff, worsening circulation problems.

If you are experiencing foot problems—especially if you have diabetes—don't wait to call your doctor. Diabetes increases the risk of serious foot issues, so early treatment is key to staying healthy.

Tips for Healthy Feet

Wash your feet daily

Use soap and water, then dry them well—especially between your toes. A warm foot bath can feel great! Apply lotion to dry or cracked skin, like your heels and wear clean, dry socks afterward.

Check your feet often

Examine your feet daily, looking for cuts, sores, blisters or skin color changes. If you notice any of these changes, talk to your doctor.

Trim your toenails properly

Cut your toenails straight across and not too short to avoid cuts and ingrown toenails. Smooth them out with a nail file. If you notice your toenails look thick or discolored, talk with your doctor.

Wear properly fitted shoes

Choose shoes that fit well—not too tight or too loose. If needed, consider wearing diabetic shoes or comfortable sneakers for daily activities. Since feet change over time, be sure to get them measured when buying new shoes.

Keep your feet safe from extreme temperatures

Keep your feet safe from extreme heat and cold. Wear socks if your feet feel cold and avoid placing them near heaters, radiators or open flames for long periods of time. In cold weather, wear proper shoes to keep your feet warm and protected.

Keep your feet moving

Take time each day to stretch and exercise. This helps improve blood flow and flexibility. If you sit for an extended period of time, elevate your feet and be sure to take breaks and move around.

When visiting your doctor, ask him or her to check your feet. If you don’t know how to perform an at-home foot check, your doctor can show you how.

Troy Pasco, MD

Wound Care

"At Bronson, we use a multitude of treatment modalities, including traditional wound care, advanced skin substitutes and/or hyperbaric oxygen therapy. And the synergy of these modalities is what leads to better wound outcomes and wound healing.”

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If you or someone you know is dealing with chronic foot wounds or related complications, Bronson Wound Center & Hyperbaric Medicine has locations in Battle Creek, Kalamazoo, Paw Paw and South Haven.

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