Diabetes and feet: signs that should not be ignored

What to review every day

Inspect the soles of the feet, the space between the toes, the nails, and the areas where the shoe presses. If you cannot see the sole of your foot, use a mirror or ask a close person for help. Pay attention to blisters, cracks, blisters, sores, discoloration, and skin temperature.

Do not try to cut corns yourself or treat an open wound with aggressive preparations. Arrange an evaluation with the medical team, especially if you already have reduced sensation or poor circulation.

Why dialysis is an additional risk

A new systematic review of 64 observational studies shows that foot ulcers and amputations are common in people with diabetes and end-stage renal disease. Findings are heterogeneous, but consistently point to the need for early, multidisciplinary follow-up.

• wear non-pressing shoes and do not walk barefoot
• at the controls, ask if you need an examination of circulation and sensation
• report any new wound to the health care team without delay

When the assessment is urgent

Rapid spread of redness, black or blue color of the skin, unpleasant odor, pus, temperature or a sudden worsening of the general condition may indicate a serious infection or circulatory disorder.

Make inspection part of the daily routine

Check the top and sole of both feet, between the toes and around the nails. Use a mirror or ask a trusted person if you cannot see the sole. Look for new redness, swelling, cracks, blisters, cuts, colour change, unusual warmth or discharge.

Wash feet in warm rather than hot water and dry carefully, especially between the toes. Do not walk barefoot, even indoors, check the inside of shoes before wearing them and choose footwear that does not rub or compress. Reduced sensation can hide an injury.

Do not manage a wound alone

A new wound, blister, infection, colour change or warmth needs timely contact, especially with neuropathy, poor circulation or a previous ulcer. Do not cut corns yourself, use caustic products or delay assessment because the area does not hurt.

At routine reviews, ask for checks of sensation, skin, footwear and circulation. Confirm how often a professional foot examination is needed and whom to contact between appointments. Glucose management, avoiding tobacco and taking prescribed treatment are part of complication prevention.

Preparing for a professional foot check

Bring the footwear you use most and mention every previous wound, infection or change in sensation. Report calf pain when walking, coldness, burning, tingling or an injury that you did not feel.

Ask whether specialist footwear, podiatry care or more frequent review is needed. Nail and callus care may require professional help when vision is poor, mobility is limited or the risk of injury is high.

• daily checks at home
• footwear inspection
• sensation and circulation review
• a clear contact for a new wound