If you have pre-diabetes or have been diagnosed with diabetes the most important thing you can do is to try and keep your blood sugar levels within the recommended range. If you have problems with managing your blood sugar levels it is advised that you discuss it at your next review at your doctor’s surgery, or before if you are not sure when your next review is due. Keeping your blood sugar levels as close to the recommended range as possible will reduce the chances of you developing the complications that diabetes can cause.
Diabetes can increase your risk of developing problems with your blood circulation. Your arterial supply takes warm blood containing all the nutrients and oxygen to keep skin and muscles working well out to all the cells that need it. When diabetes causes changes to your arteries it can narrow them and make it more difficult for your blood to reach your legs and feet. This can cause effects like cramping calf muscles, slow healing wounds or even wounds when the skin gets vulnerable and can’t deal with any long-term pressure. If you repeatedly get cramping after walking the same distance you may need to discuss this with your doctor. This can be a symptom of peripheral arterial disease (a problem with your circulation) and you may want to read the advice here. If you have diabetes and have developed a wound you need to follow basic first aid as recommended here. If the wound is not healing, is getting larger, getting wetter or is becoming ‘smelly’ you should see your doctor or the nurse at your doctor’s surgery who may refer you to our Podiatry Service for treatment.
Another possible complication is loss of sensation. This can leave you at risk of injury without realising. Pain warns you that something is wrong and if you do not get this warning because of a loss of sensation due to diabetic neuropathy you may continue to do whatever is causing the harm. If you have been diagnosed with neuropathy, the key measures are to take precautions to prevent harm to yourself such as making sure shoes fit correctly, not walking barefoot and also to check your feet daily so you notice any problems that you may not realise have occurred – remember you are not getting the feedback to warn you if you have an injury. Some useful advice is available here.
Foot checks you can do at home
Our leaflet about your feet and diabetes will give you some helpful advice on what you can do to look after your feet and when to seek help.
Our leaflet about getting footwear that fits your feet correctly will hopefully reduce the possible injuries caused by ill-fitting footwear, a common cause of problems with the feet.
Our advice leaflet about alternative providers advises you about how to find a podiatrist if you need some help with basic care for your feet.
Remember, if you have developed a wound that is not healing or you suspect you may have developed an infection then you may need to contact your GP or ring 111 to get some help and advice. As part of the recommendations they may refer you to the Podiatry Service for specialist care. If you feel unwell and need an ambulance then you should ring 999 for more urgent assistance.