Diabetic Foot Care: A Simple Daily Checklist

Every day

1. Look at both feet, tops, soles, heels and between the toes, for cuts, blisters, redness, swelling or nail changes. Use a mirror or ask someone to help.
2. Wash in lukewarm water (test with your elbow) and dry carefully, especially between the toes.
3. Moisturize the tops and soles to prevent cracks, but not between the toes.
4. Wear clean, dry socks without tight elastic or thick seams.
5. Shake out your shoes before putting them on and never go barefoot, even at home.

Nails and skin

• Cut toenails straight across and file sharp edges. If your nails are thick, or you cannot see or reach well, let a podiatrist do it.
• Do not cut corns or calluses yourself, and avoid medicated corn plasters, which can burn the skin.
• Treat athlete's foot and nail fungus early, with your podiatrist's advice. Our toenail fungus guide explains the options.

Shoes

• Choose shoes with a wide, deep toe box, a cushioned sole and laces or straps that hold the foot.
• Buy shoes in the afternoon, when feet are largest, and break new ones in an hour at a time.
• Ask about diabetic shoes or insoles if you have numbness or foot deformities; Medicare covers them for some people.

Every year (or more often)

Have a full foot exam by your doctor or podiatrist at least once a year, including a monofilament test for feeling and a check of the pulses in your feet. Keep your blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol on target and do not smoke: all three protect the nerves and blood vessels in your feet. If you have burning or tingling, our neuropathy guide covers what helps.

Same-day warning signs

• A wound, blister or sore that is not improving after a day or two
• Redness, warmth or swelling, especially with fever
• A change in foot color (pale, blue, black) or shape
• Pus or a bad smell from a wound

Call your doctor or podiatrist the same day if you notice any of these.