Diabetes and foot care: precautions to know

When you have diabetes, foot care is not just an aesthetic detail: it is a vital health precaution. Here are the essential points to know, which do not replace the advice of your doctor or podiatrist.

Why feet deserve special attention

Diabetes can impair foot sensitivity and slow down healing. In practical terms, this means that a small injury may go unnoticed for longer and take more time to heal than elsewhere on the body. This is why general foot care recommendations are stricter for people with diabetes.

Recommended basic practices

• Inspect your feet every day, including between the toes, to spot any cuts, redness, or blisters
• Moisturize daily, except between the toes where moisture promotes infections
• Avoid sharp tools (blades, corn razors) to remove calluses yourself
• Wear well-fitting shoes, and check the inside before putting them on
• Consult a podiatrist regularly, even if you feel no pain

Exfoliating when you have diabetes

Exfoliation is still possible, but with caution: favor gentle movements, never press too hard on one area, and stop immediately in case of pain, bleeding, or any unusual sensation. A blade-free tool limits the risk of cuts compared to a blade or corn razor, as detailed in our comparison of corn razors vs. electric foot files. In any case, seek the advice of your doctor or podiatrist before adding a new tool to your routine, especially if you have previously had a foot wound: our article on cracked, bleeding heels also explains when to seek emergency care.