Statistics show that worldwide, one person with diabetes undergoes amputation due to foot disease every 20 seconds — and the main culprit behind this is diabetic foot.
Diabetic foot is one of the leading causes of disability and death in people with diabetes, with a higher mortality and disability rate than most cancers (including thyroid, breast, cervical, and prostate cancer).
The good news is that diabetic foot is preventable.By caring for your feet using the 10 methods recommended in this article — especially during winter, when diabetic foot is most common — you can stay far away from diabetic foot.
- Check your feet daily for abnormalities
Diabetes can cause neuropathy, so your feet may lose sensitivity to pain or temperature changes, making you more likely to get injured without noticing.People with diabetes should perform daily foot checks, focusing on these conditions: Corn or callus: Hard lumps on the soles or between toes, possibly painful.
Have them trimmed by a professional every 2–3 weeks; decompression therapy may be needed if necessary.
Thick calluses: Hardened skin caused by friction or pressure.
Have them trimmed regularly by a doctor, but avoid over‑trimming that breaks the skin.
Bleeding or discharge: Unexplained bleeding spots or wounds, especially with redness, pain, or pus — signs of infection.
Abnormal skin color: Redness, purple discoloration, or paleness may indicate poor circulation or infection.
Deformed, discolored, or smelly toenails: Possible signs of fungal infection.
Other changes: Any unusual ulcers, blisters, wounds, or rashes that grow or spread quickly.
Even minor discomfort or abnormality requires immediate medical evaluation and treatment.
- Protect the foot skin If you have sweaty feet (prone to fungal infection):
Wipe between toes with medical alcohol while washing, or add a small amount of vinegar to the water to inhibit fungi.
Place neutral, non‑irritating powder or starch between toes, inside shoes, or socks; change socks and shoes halfway through the day to keep feet dry.
If you have dry, peeling, or cracked skin:
Massage thoroughly and apply moisturizer after washing to keep skin hydrated, but avoid the areas between toes (excess moisture there increases infection risk). - Wash feet with warm water below 37°C
To improve circulation, wash your feet every evening with warm water below 37°C (test first by hand; it should feel comfortably warm, not hot).Avoid overly hot water to prevent burns.
Use neutral soap (pH 5.5–7, close to human skin), labeled “neutral” or “pH‑balanced” on the package.
After washing, gently dry your feet — especially between the toes — with a soft, light‑colored or white towel to prevent fungal infection. - Cut toenails straight across
Trim nails regularly to avoid overgrowth and accidental snagging.This reduces bacterial growth under nails and prevents injury.
Correct way:Cut toenails straight across (in a straight line).Do not round the corners, as this encourages ingrown toenails. - Choose proper shoes
To avoid abnormal pressure and injury, pay attention to length, width, height, and style: Length: 1–2 cm longer than your foot, so toes can fully extend and move slightly.
Width: Match the widest part of your foot.
Height: Enough room for all toes.
Style: Avoid tight, rough‑edged, poorly stitched, high‑heeled, or pointy shoes.
Choose wide, comfortable, soft‑soled, well‑ventilated flat cloth shoes, casual shoes, or sneakers.Prefer soft leather, silk, or canvas uppers, with shoelaces or Velcro.
When breaking in new shoes:Wear them only 20–30 minutes at first.If no redness or rubbing occurs, gradually increase wearing time.Always check inside the shoe for foreign objects before putting them on.
- Choose proper socks
Well‑chosen socks reduce foot injury and diabetic foot risk: Wear seamless socks, or turn seamed socks inside out to reduce pressure.
Wear dry, breathable, white or light‑colored cotton socks (absorb sweat and show discharge easily).
Avoid socks with tight cuffs, knee‑high styles, seams, holes, or patches. - Avoid crossing your legs for long periods
Crossing legs puts pressure on the knees and impairs blood flow in the lower legs.Since people with diabetes already often have poor circulation, this habit can accelerate lower‑extremity atherosclerosis and ischemia, increasing diabetic foot risk.
Recommended sitting posture:Head up, eyes forward, torso upright, shoulders level, trunk perpendicular to thighs, lower legs vertical or slightly forward, feet relaxed and flat on the floor — so muscles, blood vessels, and nerves behind the knees are not compressed. - Do foot exercises to improve circulation
Tai Chi or simple foot exercises strengthen foot muscles and boost blood flow.
Two recommended exercises: Toe curling: Keep heels on the ground; consciously contract and relax toes repeatedly.
Ankle rotations & pumps:
Heels down, toes up, rotate the soles;
Toes down, heels up, rotate the heels;
Sit on a chair, do ankle pumps with one foot at a time (alternating left and right), then with both feet together. - Reduce the risk of foot injury Do not use hot water bags, electric heaters, or heating bottles directly on your feet.
Do not use chemicals or plasters to remove corns or calluses without medical guidance.
Whether at home or outdoors, never walk barefoot, only in socks, or in thin‑soled slippers.
Treat athlete’s foot promptly; have ingrown or over‑thick nails treated by a doctor. - Have a diabetic foot screening at least once a year
People with diabetes should get a full diabetic foot screening annually, including: Skin checks for calluses, deformities, ulcers, or color changes
Screening for diabetic neuropathy and vascular disease
If abnormalities are found, follow your doctor’s instructions for timely treatment to lower diabetic foot risk.