Daily foot checks for diabetes: what to look for
The CDC and NIDDK advise checking your feet every day if you have diabetes, even when they feel fine, because nerve damage can hide problems. Look for cuts, sores, blisters, redness, swelling, corns, calluses and changes to skin or nails, and contact a health professional promptly if something does not start to heal.
Why check your feet every day?
Diabetes can damage nerves, so you may have foot problems and feel no pain. Checking each day helps you spot problems early, before they get worse.
What should you look for?
- Cuts, sores, red spots or blisters
- Swelling or fluid-filled blisters
- Corns, calluses, plantar warts or athlete's foot
- Ingrown toenails, thickened or discoloured nails
- Dry, cracked skin, warm spots, or a change in colour or temperature
- New tingling, burning, pain or loss of feeling
How do you do it?
- Check at the same time each day. The NIDDK suggests when you take off your shoes in the evening.
- Look at the tops, soles, heels and between the toes.
- Use a mirror, or ask someone to help, if you cannot see the bottoms of your feet.
When should you contact a doctor?
The NIDDK advises seeking care for a cut, blister or bruise that does not start to heal after a few days, or skin that becomes red, warm or painful. The CDC says not to wait for your next appointment if you notice sores, ulcers, or new tingling, burning, pain or numbness.
Make it a habit
A daily reminder helps. Glycove includes an optional daily reminder you can use for your diary and your foot check.
Information, not medical advice. Talk to your care team about your own targets and treatment. Never use a converter or a diary entry to work out an insulin or medicine dose.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to check my feet?
The NIDDK suggests checking each evening when you take off your shoes. A fixed time makes it a habit.
What if I cannot see the bottom of my feet?
The CDC suggests using a mirror or asking a family member to help.
When should I see a doctor?
The NIDDK advises seeking care for a cut, blister or bruise that does not start to heal after a few days, or skin that is red, warm or painful. The CDC says not to wait for your next appointment.
Keep reading
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Daily habits and self-carePrepare for an appointment
What to bring to a diabetes appointment, which numbers to summarize and a list of questions to ask your care team.
Daily habits and self-careBlood sugar diary
A practical guide to keeping a blood sugar diary: what to record, why context matters, and a simple template you can copy.