People with diabetes should inspect their feet daily.

True. People with diabetes can develop numbness in their feet that they are unaware of. When the feet are numb, the patient can have injuries that go undetected which could develop into serious problems unless daily foot inspections are performed. Early diagnosis greatly improves the chances of successful treatment.

It is okay to go barefoot if you have diabetes.

False. People who have diabetes may also suffer from a condition called neuropathy, which is evident in a loss of sensation in the feet. A diabetic should not go barefoot because it could lead to injuries such as stepping on a piece of glass or getting a splinter. This trauma could lead to infection, trauma, and even amputation.

Toenails should always be cut straight across.

True. The corners of toenails should be visible after cutting or trimming.

It’s fine to remove calluses, corns and warts by yourself.

False. Poor vision, lack of sensation in the feet, inability to reach the area, and using the wrong tools are all reasons why you should not try to remove calluses, corns or warts by yourself. Also, over-the-counter medicines may contain acids that are harmful for your feet. Read all instruction labels carefully and have all removals done by a podiatrist.

You should be properly measured and fitted each time you buy a new pair of shoes.

True. Foot size can change over a lifetime, and it would be detrimental to wear a shoe that is too small. People quite often wear the wrong size, which can lead to injury and cause circulation problems. It is best to be fitted in the afternoon when feet are at their largest.

All people with diabetes will have a lower extremity amputation.

False. With proper foot care and preventative examinations the risk of amputation can be greatly lowered.

Only people who use insulin suffer from foot complications related to diabetes.

False. All people with diabetes need to be aware of the foot complications that are associated with diabetes.

Controlling your blood sugar level will lessen your chance of foot complications.

True. A study by the Diabetic Control Complications Trial has shown that strict control of blood sugars will decrease the risk of foot complications. Increased blood sugar levels lead to higher risk of infections and other complications for people with diabetes.

Diabetes can be cured.

False. While there is no cure yet for diabetes, there are many ways to control the disease through medication and by leading a normal life. People with diabetes should have their feet checked at least one a year by a podiatrist to ensure that they aren’t at risk for amputation.

Understanding proper diabetic foot care is essential and may help prevent amputations or other serious issues.  For more tips on foot care for diabetics, leave your comments below or visit our site on diabetic foot care.

We are creatures of habit. Ever since we were kids, the summer meant a time to kick off our shoes, run barefoot outside and at the beach. In my Houston podiatry practice, it’s clear that even my adult patients still like to do the same. Diabetes, however, complicates this love and deep desire to be barefoot.

One of the most well-known effects of diabetes is the formation of peripheral neuropathy, a syndrome affecting the nerves that will cause a progressive numbness or burning pain in the feet. There are those with diabetes who don’t have any sensation at all because of peripheral neuropathy. These folks can step on a foreign body and not have any idea. They may notice bleeding on the carpet or in their shoe and find out that way. For others it can be days or more before they discover the problem.

The best way for someone with diabetes to protect the feet from all foreign objects is to protect them with a shoe. Walking outside to pick up the paper, you run the risk of stepping on a twig or sharp rock and not feeling it. Going to the beach? Beware of the hot sand. You won’t be able to feel the temperature and can get a serious burn. Any of these injuries can easily become infected and put the foot and the entire limb at risk. Wearing a shoe with a sturdy sole can be all you need to protect yourself from such a problem.

You can find more information about diabetes and your feet on my website.

About Dr. Andrew Schneider

Dr. Andrew Schneider is the Medical Director of Tanglewood Foot Specialists in Houston, TX. Dr. Schneider focuses on state-of-the-art therapy to offer relief from foot ailments in the shortest time possible. He treats athletes in all sports, working with them to minimize or eliminate time away from activity. Physicians throughout the city rely on his knowledge and skill in the area of biomechanics and orthotics and regularly send their own patients to him.