7 foot health tips for people with diabetes

Diabetes can affect your feet in two main ways. High blood glucose levels can damage the nerves, so you lose some feeling in your feet, and narrow the blood vessels, so less blood reaches them.¹ That means a blister or cut can go unnoticed and heal slowly, and it can turn into an ulcer (an open sore) or an infection.¹ The good news is that simple daily habits and regular checks lower the risk. Here are seven tips.

1. Check your feet every day

Look over your feet once a day, including the soles and between the toes. Check for cuts, blisters, cracks, redness, swelling or any change in colour.¹ If you can't see your feet easily, use a mirror or ask a family member or carer to help.¹ Many people find it easiest to check at night, when they take off their shoes.

2. Don't go barefoot

Wear shoes or slippers, even around the house. Walking without suitable foot protection is one of the habits experts advise people with diabetes to avoid.² If you have numbness, you may not feel a sharp object, a hot surface or a stubbed toe. Always wear protective footwear if your feet are numb.¹

3. Wear shoes and socks that fit well

Choose shoes that fit well and don't rub, and always wear socks with them to help prevent blisters.¹ Leave about a thumb's width (1.5 cm) between your longest toe and the end of the shoe.³ Socks and stockings shouldn't be too tight.¹ If your podiatrist tells you your feet are at moderate or high risk, you may need specially fitted shoes or therapeutic footwear.²

4. Keep your feet clean and moisturised

Wash your feet every day and dry them well, especially between the toes.¹ Moisturise your feet to keep the skin soft and help prevent dry skin and cracked heels, but don't put moisturiser between your toes.¹ Cut your toenails straight across and gently file any sharp edges.¹

5. Have regular foot checks

Your GP or podiatrist can check the nerves, blood supply and general health of your feet, and tell you your "foot risk".¹ Everyone with diabetes should have a foot check at least once a year. If your feet are at higher risk, you'll need checks more often, from every 6–12 months to every 1–3 months.¹ Foot checks find problems early, when they're easier to manage.¹

6. Keep active

Regular physical activity helps you manage your blood glucose and weight, and helps blood flow to your feet.¹ Walking, swimming, water exercise, cycling, Pilates and yoga are good options. For many people, adding about 1,000 extra steps a day is likely to be safe for the feet.² Some activities can increase your foot risk, so talk to your doctor before you start a new exercise program.¹

7. Leave corns and calluses to your podiatrist

Don't cut corns or calluses yourself, and avoid over-the-counter corn cures.³,⁴ Treating hard skin and other early warning signs on the foot is one of the ways experts recommend to help prevent ulcers,² so it's worth having it done by a professional. People with diabetes shouldn't try to treat corns and calluses at home.⁴

When to see a podiatrist or doctor

Contact your doctor or podiatrist urgently, even if an injury seems minor, if you notice:¹

• signs of infection, such as discharge, heat or pain in your foot
• a break in the skin, such as an ulcer, bleeding or deeply cracked skin
• new pain, swelling, redness or a change in temperature.

Don't wait for your next routine check. These problems can become serious very quickly.¹ Looking after your diabetes, staying active and not smoking all help protect your feet as well.¹

Our podiatrists in Booragoon offer diabetes foot checks and ongoing foot care. To arrange a check, book an appointment.

References

1. National Diabetes Services Scheme (2026). Foot health and diabetes (fact sheet, version 1.0.0). https://www.ndss.com.au/about-diabetes/resources/find-a-resource/looking-after-your-feet-fact-sheet/
2. Bus SA, Sacco ICN, Monteiro-Soares M, et al. (2024). Guidelines on the prevention of foot ulcers in persons with diabetes (IWGDF 2023 update). Diabetes/Metabolism Research and Reviews, 40(3), e3651. https://doi.org/10.1002/dmrr.3651
3. Healthdirect Australia (2024). Foot care. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/foot-care
4. NHS (2026). Corns and calluses. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/corns-and-calluses/

Reviewed by Andrew Schox, Podiatrist, BSc(Hons) PGradDipPod MPod. Last reviewed October 2026.