Diabetic Footcare: Essential Dos and Don’ts
Diabetes can lead to serious foot complications, including ulcers and amputations. However, with proper care and awareness, many of these outcomes are preventable. In Canada, diabetic foot problems are common and can be very serious. Studies show that between 13% and 19% of Canadians with diabetes will develop a foot ulcer in their lifetime, which is slightly higher than the global average. About 20% of those with ulcers will require an amputation. Every year, about 20 out of every 100,000 Canadians have serious foot complications, and nearly 9 out of every 100,000 need a major amputation. While amputations have become a bit less common, many people still end up in the hospital because of foot issues. Where you live in Canada matters—a person’s risk can be up to three times higher in some provinces or territories, mostly because access to care and prevention programs varies. In Ontario alone, 1.3 million people have diabetes, and treating foot problems costs the healthcare system millions each year. Early intervention and regular foot care can dramatically reduce these risks.
Dos: Protect and Monitor Your Feet
- Inspect your feet daily. Look for redness, blisters, cuts, or any signs of irritation. Use a mirror or ask for help if you have trouble seeing the bottoms of your feet.
- Wash your feet every day with warm water and mild soap. Dry thoroughly, especially between the toes, to prevent fungal infections.
- Moisturize dry skin with a urea-based emollient, but avoid applying lotion between the toes.
- Trim toenails carefully. Cut straight across and avoid sharp edges. If nails are thick or hard to cut, seek help from a foot specialist.
- Wear properly fitting shoes made of breathable materials like cotton or leather. Poorly fitting shoes are a major cause of foot problems in people with diabetes.
- Alternate your shoes daily to avoid constant pressure on the same areas.
- Choose soft, seamless socks that do not restrict circulation. Ask your podiatrist for recommendations.
- See a healthcare professional promptly if you notice any wounds, blisters, or skin irritation that do not heal quickly.
- Schedule regular foot exams. Annual comprehensive foot checks are recommended, and more frequent exams may be needed if you have difficulty managing blood sugar or blood pressure.
Don’ts: Avoid Common Risks
- Never go barefoot, indoors or outdoors. Even minor injuries can lead to serious infections.
- Avoid soaking your feet regularly. This can dry out the skin and cause cracks, increasing infection risk.
- Don’t cross your legs when sitting. This can reduce blood flow to your feet.
- Don’t break in new shoes all at once. Gradually increase wear time over several days, checking for irritation or blisters.
- Don’t ignore foot problems. Treating issues early can prevent complications.
Why Footcare Matters
- Amputation risk: About 1 in 5 Canadians with a diabetic foot ulcer will need an amputation. Even though the rate of major amputations has gone down a bit, the number of people needing hospital care for foot problems is still high.
- Recurrence and mortality: After a diabetic foot ulcer, the chance of getting another ulcer is high—up to 65% within 3 to 5 years. The risk of serious complications or death is also significant.
- Disparities: Where you live in Canada can make a big difference. Some provinces and territories have much higher rates of foot problems, mainly because access to care and prevention programs isn’t equal everywhere.
- Ontario’s situation: In Ontario, diabetes is very common, and foot care costs the healthcare system millions every year. Many people still don’t get the preventative care or quick access to specialists they need.
Key Takeaways
- Prevention is critical. Most amputations and severe complications can be avoided with regular foot care and prompt medical attention.
- Education and support matter. Patients with more knowledge and access to podiatric care have better outcomes.
- Act early. If you notice any changes in your feet, contact your healthcare provider right away.
Sources:
- American Diabetes Association: Diabetic Foot Ulcers
- CDC: Promoting Foot Health
- NHS England: National Diabetes Foot Care Audit
- Frontiers in Endocrinology: Foot Care Practices Study
- Canadian Journal of Diabetes
- CIHI (Canadian Institute for Health Information)
- FSC-CCF (Ontario Foot Care Data)
- Bonvadis (Canadian Diabetes Studies)
- Diabetes Journals