Neuropathy and Diabetes

How Can Diabetes Affect the Feet?

Diabetes can affect the feet in several ways.

Over time, high blood glucose levels may damage nerves and blood vessels. This can reduce sensation in the feet and may also affect circulation, making it harder to notice injuries and potentially slowing healing.

For this reason, regular foot care is an important part of diabetes management.

What is Diabetic Neuropathy?

Diabetic neuropathy is nerve damage associated with diabetes.

When the nerves in the feet are affected, symptoms may include:

• numbness or reduced sensation
• tingling or pins and needles
• burning or shooting pain
• increased sensitivity to touch
• muscle weakness
• changes in balance

Some people with diabetic neuropathy have very few symptoms, which is why regular foot checks remain important even when the feet feel normal.

Why is Reduced Sensation Important?

If sensation is reduced, you may not immediately notice:

• cuts or scratches
• blisters
• areas of rubbing from footwear
• corns or calluses
• burns
• wounds or broken skin

A small injury can sometimes become more serious if it is not noticed and treated early.

Circulation and Diabetes

Diabetes can also increase the risk of problems with circulation.

Reduced blood flow may affect the body’s ability to heal wounds and fight infection.

Changes such as persistent coldness, colour changes, wounds that are slow to heal or pain in the legs or feet should be professionally assessed.

How Can a Podiatrist Help?

A podiatrist can assess the health of the feet and identify areas that may require additional care.

A diabetes foot assessment may include:

• testing sensation in the feet
• assessing circulation
• examining the skin and nails
• identifying pressure areas
• reviewing footwear
• treating corns, calluses or nail problems where appropriate
• providing advice about daily foot care
• assessing the risk of future foot complications
• referring to your GP or another health professional when necessary

The frequency of podiatry care will depend on your individual risk factors and overall foot health.

Looking After Your Feet

People with diabetes should regularly check their feet for changes.

Good foot care may include:

• checking the tops, soles and between the toes each day
• wearing comfortable, well-fitting shoes
• checking inside shoes before putting them on
• keeping the skin clean and moisturised while avoiding moisturiser between the toes
• avoiding walking barefoot where injuries may occur
• having new wounds or unexplained changes assessed promptly

If you have difficulty seeing or reaching your feet, ask a family member or health professional for assistance.

When Should You Seek Help?

Seek professional advice promptly if you notice:

• a cut, blister or wound that is not healing
• redness, swelling or warmth
• discharge or signs of infection
• a significant change in skin colour
• new or worsening numbness
• sudden swelling or changes in the shape of the foot

People with diabetes should take new foot problems seriously, particularly when sensation or circulation is reduced.

Regular Foot Checks

Regular foot assessments can help identify problems before they become more serious.

A podiatrist can work alongside your GP and other members of your healthcare team to help protect your feet and provide advice appropriate to your individual level of risk.