Understanding How Diabetes Can Effect Your Foot Health

Why Diabetes Affects Your Feet

Did you know that living with diabetes can increase the risk of foot problems? When blood sugar levels are high, it can impact the sensation in your feet, making it harder to feel small injuries or irritations. Diabetes can also affect circulation, reducing blood flow to your feet, which can make cuts or sores heal more slowly - and even cause cramps and pain.

But don’t worry - understanding how diabetes impacts your feet can help you take great care of them. Here’s what you need to know and some easy-to-follow tips for keeping your feet happy and healthy.

Easy Tips for Everyday Foot Care

Keeping your feet in good shape is simpler with a few daily habits. Here’s a quick guide to some essential steps you can take!

1. Eat Well and Stay Active

• Staying active and eating a balanced diet is essential for managing diabetes and keeping foot complications at bay. Need guidance on what to eat or what exercises are best? Chat with a dietitian or your healthcare team—they’re there to help.

2. Check Your Feet Daily

• Diabetes can make small foot problems worse quickly, so it’s key to keep an eye out for any cuts, blisters, or colour changes. Need a hand? A mirror can help you see the soles of your feet. And if you notice something, get it checked out right away.

3. Use Moisturising Cream

• Keeping your feet moisturised helps prevent cracks and dryness, which can invite infections. Just skip applying cream between your toes—it can trap moisture, which can be problematic.

4. Avoid Blades or Corn Plasters

• Corn plasters and blades can damage your skin, making you more vulnerable to infections. Use a pumice stone gently for any tough spots, or ask a podiatrist for help.

Managing Blood Sugar Levels & More

Keeping your blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure in check is crucial for healthy feet. If you’re finding it tricky to balance these, there are plenty of resources and courses to help, from diet and activity tips to support groups and helplines. Reach out to your healthcare provider to find the best fit for you.

The Right Footwear: Your Foot’s Best Friend

Your shoes can make a big difference. Look for shoes with a good fit—broad, low-heeled, and with plenty of wiggle room for your toes. Avoid anything too tight or with uncomfortable seams, and aim to alternate your footwear daily so they have time to dry out. If your feet tend to swell, choose shoes with adjustable straps or laces.

Nail Care, Simplified

Trimming toenails might seem simple, but diabetes can make it easy to accidentally pierce the skin, so follow these tips:

• Trim straight across, use clippers, and smooth any rough edges with an emery board.
• Be gentle when cleaning around your nails; even small nicks can lead to issues.

If Need Be, Seek Expert Advice

Aim for an annual foot check with a professional—they’ll check for any changes and let you know if you need further care. And don’t hesitate to reach out for advice anytime in between checks if you notice any new issues.

We Are Here To Help - Footwear Tips from SoleLution

At SoleLution, we know that choosing the right shoes makes a huge difference in foot health. Here are a few helpful options we offer:

• DB Shoes: Known for their wide-fitting and seam-free styles, they’re perfect for reducing foot irritation.
• Joya Shoes: With special sole technology, these shoes distribute pressure evenly across the foot, supporting circulation and encouraging wound healing.

Need help finding the perfect pair? Visit us in-store or reach out to us at SoleLution. We’ll help you find the right fit to keep your feet both comfortable and stylish! And with lots of new autumn / winter drops for the season, we have some great shoes and boots for you and your feet!

See you in store soon,

Lots of love,

Tanya & the SoleLution team x