What should you know about type 2 diabetes feet?

Diabetes-related nerve changes can reduce the ability to feel heat, pressure, blisters or cuts. Reduced blood flow can slow healing, and high glucose can make infection harder to control. A problem may therefore grow before it becomes painful. This does not mean every foot symptom is caused by diabetes, but a new change deserves a careful look.

Check the tops, soles, heels and spaces between the toes using a mirror or another person’s help. Look for cracks, blisters, swelling, colour change, warmth, drainage, new tenderness or a wound.

Wash and dry feet gently, especially between the toes, moisturise dry skin without applying cream between the toes, and trim nails carefully across rather than deeply at the corners. Wear well-fitting shoes and clean socks; check inside shoes before putting them on. Avoid walking barefoot and do not remove corns or calluses with sharp tools or chemical products.

Keep appointments for foot sensation and circulation checks. If you have peripheral neuropathy or peripheral arterial disease, ask whether you need a specialist foot-care plan.

Arrange prompt medical review for any open wound, spreading redness, warmth, swelling, pus, a new black or pale area, fever, or a foot that suddenly changes shape. Seek urgent help if infection symptoms are worsening, you feel severely unwell, or a foot becomes cold, numb or severely painful.

Ask how often your feet need examination, whether your footwear is suitable, how to treat a blister or wound, and whether reduced sensation or circulation changes your follow-up plan.