Diabetes and feet

Diabetes may lead to a weakening of veins and nerves in legs and feet. It is therefore important that you take particlarly good care of your feet. In this folder you will find some helpful advice regarding prevention and foot care.

This is how diabetes affects your feet:
If you should get problems with your feet, you should seek a doctor immediately. Typical signs of foot problems with diabetes are small sores that are slow to heal, infections, reduced ability to sense trauma and pressure or insensitivity to cold and heat. The impairment of blood circulation and nerve functions will often appear progressively and insidiously. You hardly notice it yourself. In the long run this may develop into paralysis of the muscles in the foot, misalignments and reduced walking ability. Some persons feel pain, numbness and a burning sensation. Others get leg pains when they walk which disappear when they are at rest. An old proverb says “prevention is better than cure”. Foot sores should consequently be treated carefully. If you have the least suspicion of any reduced functioning of nerves or veins, you should see a doctor. Contact an orthopaedist if you have difficulties finding shoes that fit. Your doctor will give you a referral.

  Take care of your feet through:
- Good blood sugar control
- Good footwear
- Good foot care

 

Foot care – a habit that feels good!
- Wash your feet every day with mild, soapy water.
- Poor circulation greatly increases the risk of burns.   Use lukewarm water.
- Dry carefully and thoroughly, especially between the   toes.
- Foot powder is recommended.
- Rub a good lotion into your feet (not between the   toes).
- Examine your feet and toes thoroughly.
- Use a mirror to look under the foot.
- Look for blisters, cracks, light red spots or calluses.

- Contact your doctor if you find any changes.
- Change socks or tights preferably every day and wear   wool or cotton.
- A podiatrist should treat corns or calluses.
- Toenails should not be too long or too short (avoid   sharp corners).
- Use products that are recommended by health care   professionals.

  NB! Even a temperature of 33º can cause burns when blood circulation is impaired.

Important to keep in mind when using and buying shoes:
- Laced shoes always fit the foot best.
- Choose Velcro if tying shoes is difficult.
- The shoe should be snug around the heel.
- Embrace the foot at the instep.
- The shoe should be 1 cm longer than the foot.
- Have enough space for the toes.
- Stable lasts with good arch support.
- The soles should be shock-absorbent.
- Avoid synthetic materials.
- Buy shoes late in the day when the feet are the largest.
- Shoes should be comfortable the first time they are worn.
- Check to see if there are stones or other debris in the shoes before putting them on.
- Do not go barefoot and always wear socks (wool or cotton) with shoes.


Have shoes for work, indoor shoes and recreation shoes.

     Download Diabetes-informasjonfolder (PDF format)

     Norsk Diabetesforbund