Diabetes and Your Feet – Why Looking After Them Matters
Diabetes and Your Feet – Why Looking After Them Matters
Living with diabetes means looking after more than just your blood sugar. One area that's often overlooked is your feet.
Many serious foot problems start with something small—a blister, a cut, or a pair of shoes that don't fit properly. Because diabetes can affect feeling and blood flow to your feet, these minor problems can quickly become much more serious if they aren't noticed early.
The good news is that most diabetic foot problems can be prevented with regular foot checks, supportive footwear and early treatment.
Why are people with diabetes at greater risk?
Over time, diabetes can damage the nerves and blood vessels in your feet.
This means you may:
- Not notice cuts, blisters or pressure sores
- Have dry or cracked skin
- Heal more slowly after an injury
- Be more likely to develop an infection
Because of this, a small sore can sometimes develop into a foot ulcer if left untreated.
What is a diabetic foot ulcer?
A diabetic foot ulcer is an open sore that usually develops on the bottom or side of the foot.
These ulcers can become infected and, if not treated promptly, may lead to hospitalisation or even amputation.
Fortunately, with regular foot care and early treatment, most ulcers can be prevented.
One way to help reduce pressure on vulnerable areas is by wearing well-cushioned insoles that evenly distribute weight across the foot. If you spend long hours on your feet or have areas of high pressure, PodiMe Orthotic Insoles may provide additional comfort and support. (Always seek advice from your podiatrist if you have an active foot ulcer or severe foot deformity.)
What should I look out for?
Check your feet every day for:
✔ Cuts or scratches
✔ Blisters
✔ Redness
✔ Swelling
✔ Corns or calluses
✔ Cracked heels
✔ Changes in skin colour
✔ Ingrown toenails
✔ Any wound that isn't healing
If you notice any of these, don't wait—have them checked by your GP or podiatrist.
Can I still feel my feet?
One of the biggest problems with diabetes is loss of feeling (neuropathy).
You might notice:
- Tingling
- Burning sensations
- Numbness
- Reduced feeling in your toes or feet
Some people don't notice anything at all until an injury has already occurred.
If you can't feel your feet properly, you may continue walking on a blister or pressure area without realising it.
This is why checking your feet every day is so important.
Are your shoes helping or hurting?
Believe it or not, poorly fitting shoes are one of the most common causes of diabetic foot ulcers.
Choose shoes that:
- Fit comfortably
- Have plenty of room for your toes
- Don't rub or create pressure points
- Provide good support
Never walk barefoot, even around the house, as it's easy to step on something sharp without feeling it.
For people who develop areas of high pressure, corns, calluses or recurring sore spots, reducing pressure on these areas is an important part of foot care.
The PodiMe Offloader Innersole has been designed by podiatrists to help redistribute pressure away from vulnerable areas of the foot using removable Poron plugs that can be customised to offload specific pressure points. It features a cushioning Plastazote top cover and is designed to fit most types of footwear after trimming to size.
If you have diabetes, particularly if you have reduced feeling in your feet or an active foot ulcer, always speak with your podiatrist before using any offloading device. They can determine whether an offloading insole is appropriate and customise it for your individual needs.
Simple things you can do every day
Looking after your feet doesn't have to be difficult.
Try to:
- Check your feet every day
- Wash and dry them carefully, especially between the toes
- Moisturise dry skin (avoid between the toes)
- Trim toenails carefully
- Wear clean socks every day
- Wear supportive, well-fitting shoes
- Never ignore a sore that isn't healing
Using a urea-based foot moisturiser can help reduce dry skin and cracking, while wearing quality cushioned socks such as PodiMe Bamboo Socks may improve day-to-day comfort.
These small habits can make a big difference.
How often should my feet be checked?
Everyone with diabetes should have a Podiatrist check at least once every year.
If you've previously had a foot ulcer, poor circulation or reduced feeling, your doctor or podiatrist may recommend checks every few months.
Regular foot assessments help identify problems before they become serious.
When should I seek help?
See your podiatrist as soon as possible if you notice:
- A cut or blister that isn't healing
- Increasing redness or swelling
- Pus or discharge
- A bad smell from a wound
- Blackened skin
- Increasing pain (or loss of feeling)
The earlier treatment begins, the better the outcome.
PodiMe's Tips for Healthier Feet
Looking after your feet is easier when you have the right routine.
We recommend:
🦶 PodiMe Offloader Innersole – Designed to help redistribute pressure away from high-pressure areas, making it ideal for people with corns, calluses or other pressure-related foot problems. It should be fitted or recommended by your podiatrist if you have diabetes.
👣 PodiMe Orthotics – Provide firm arch support, cushioning and comfort for everyday walking.
🧦 PodiMe Bamboo Socks – Help reduce friction and improve comfort throughout the day.
🧴 Urea Foot Cream – Helps keep dry skin soft and may reduce the risk of painful cracking.
👟 Supportive Footwear – Well-fitting shoes remain one of the most important ways to protect diabetic feet.
Final Thoughts
Diabetic foot problems often begin with something small, but they don't have to become something serious.
Checking your feet every day, wearing well-fitting shoes, attending regular podiatry appointments and using supportive products can all play an important role in keeping your feet healthy.
If you have diabetes, don't wait until something hurts—because sometimes it won't.
Take care of your feet today so they can take care of you tomorrow.