As World Diabetes Day approaches on November 14, medical experts across India are emphasizing a crucial aspect of diabetes management that often gets overlooked: comprehensive foot care. For the millions living with diabetes in the country, proper foot maintenance isn't just about hygiene—it's a vital preventive measure against serious complications that could lead to hospitalization or even amputation.
The Silent Threat: How Diabetes Affects Your Feet
Diabetes can cause two primary conditions that make feet particularly vulnerable. Diabetic neuropathy gradually damages nerves, leading to reduced sensation in the feet. Many patients lose the ability to feel pain, heat, or cold, making them unaware of injuries. Simultaneously, peripheral vascular disease affects blood circulation, slowing down the healing process for any wounds or sores.
"When neuropathy and poor circulation combine, even a minor blister or small cut can escalate into a serious infection or non-healing ulcer," explains Dr. Rajesh Khadgawat, additional professor of endocrinology at AIIMS. "Without prompt treatment, these infections can penetrate deeper tissues, potentially reaching the bone."
Essential Daily Foot Care Routine for Diabetics
Medical professionals recommend establishing a consistent daily foot inspection routine. Every day, people with diabetes should carefully examine their feet for any signs of trouble, including cuts, blisters, redness, swelling, or nail problems. Using a mirror to check the bottoms of feet can help spot hard-to-see areas.
Proper washing and drying techniques form another critical component of prevention. Feet should be washed daily in lukewarm water—never hot—and thoroughly dried, especially between the toes. Moisturizing helps prevent cracked skin, but creams or lotions should not be applied between toes where excess moisture could encourage fungal infections.
Nail care requires special attention. Toenails should be trimmed straight across and filed smooth to avoid sharp edges that could cut adjacent toes. People with diabetes should avoid cutting corners too short or digging into the sides of nails.
Choosing the Right Footwear and Recognizing Warning Signs
Footwear selection plays a crucial role in diabetes foot care. Well-fitting shoes with adequate support and cushioning are essential. Medical experts strongly advise against walking barefoot, even indoors, as this significantly increases injury risk. Shoes should be inspected before wearing to ensure no foreign objects or rough seams are present.
Certain warning signs demand immediate medical attention. These include any foot cuts or blisters that show no improvement after one day, skin color changes (especially blackening), unusual swelling, areas feeling warm to the touch, and any signs of infection like pus or redness spreading from a wound.
On World Diabetes Day, healthcare providers hope to spread awareness that consistent foot care can prevent up to 85% of diabetes-related amputations. With India often called the diabetes capital of the world, this message carries particular significance for the millions managing this chronic condition.
"Foot complications represent one of the most preventable consequences of diabetes," emphasizes Dr. Anoop Misra, chairman of Fortis CDOC Hospital for Diabetes. "Through daily vigilance and proper care, patients can maintain healthy feet and avoid devastating outcomes."
