These resources provide general information only, and are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have about your individual health and medical condition.
Acknowledgments
This resource was created in collaboration with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers and practitioners working in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community controlled sector.
QAIHC would like to acknowledge and honour the Traditional Owners of the lands and waterways of Queensland. We recognise their continuing connection to these lands and waters, and thank them for protecting this country and its ecosystems since time immemorial. We acknowledge and wholly support all Traditional Owners for their continuing connection to this country and their communities.
We pay respect to Traditional Owners and to their Elders past, present and emerging.
QAIHC thanks and acknowledges Diabetes Australia and Health and Wellbeing Queensland for their contributions to this project.
Introduction
There can be a lot to manage if you have diabetes: checking your blood sugar, finding time to be active, making healthy food, taking medicines, going to doctor’s appointments. Your feet might be the last thing on your mind. The good news is that daily care is one of the best ways to prevent foot complications.
Why is foot care important?
People with diabetes can develop many different foot problems. Even ordinary problems can get worse and lead to very serious complications.
How do I practise good foot care?
Follow the steps in this booklet.
Have regular yarns with your doctor to make sure you're doing everything you can to keep your feet healthy.
See a podiatrist if you have any concerns.
Medicare may provide a rebate on podiatrist’s fees if you are referred by your doctor.
Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA) gold card holders are entitled to free podiatry services from private podiatrists.
Private health funds cover some podiatry services.
Some health services and local councils offer subsidised podiatry services. Phone your local AICCHO, hospital, council, or community health centre to find out more.
Why care for my feet?
Foot problems can be a common complication of diabetes. Staying aware of the risks and taking care of your feet can prevent serious problems developing.
Blood supply is reduced resulting in slower healing.
Loss of feeling in lower legs and feet is common due to nerve damage.
Damage to your nerves means that you may not realise if you have a minor cut or blister. These can become an ulcer if left untreated.
Not living a healthy life or managing your diabetes increases your risk of foot ulcers and amputations.
Foot problems can be avoided if you check your feet and act when you see a problem.
Get your feet checked at least every year by a doctor or a podiatrist (foot specialist) to detect problems early.
You may have reduced feeling in your hands and feet. So be careful not to put your feet too close to direct heat e.g. heaters, hot water bottles or electric blankets.
Always check water temperature with your elbow to avoid burns to your hands or feet.
Wash daily with a gentle soap or gel with water and if your feet get sweaty, dirty or sandy. Clean
Step 1
Care for your feet
Keep your feet dry, especially between your toes. Remember, pat gently and don't rub too hard.
Protect your feet from injury.
Make sure you wear clean socks or stockings every day with well-fitting shoes that protect your feet.
Clipping
Cut nails to the shape of the toe and file any rough edges.
Filing is the safest way to keep nails short. Filing
Moisturise
Rub your feet every day with a moisturising cream.
Cover the top and bottom of your feet, toenails and heels. Look for any injuries, redness or sore spots.
Self-care
Continue to look after your diabetes and avoid smoking, drinking alcohol and sugary drinks.
Take time to support your social and emotional wellbeing.
Step 2
Check your feet daily
** Seek URGENT medical treatment for any of these problems **
The top and bottom of your feet
In between your toes
The back of your heels
Take care of injuries
If you find an injury like a cut, blister, sore, redness or open crack, immediately:
Gently wash and dry the area
Apply a good antiseptic e.g. Betadine
Cover with a band-aid or sterile dressing
If the injury does not improve within 24 hours, make an urgent appointment to see your doctor to help avoid serious complications.
If you’re in doubt, don’t wait! Get help early from your doctor or podiatrist.
Seek medical treatment WITHIN A WEEK for any of these problems
Broken skin between toes
Callus Corn
Foot shape changes
Cracked skin
Nail colour changes
Step 3
Keep your feet protected
Wear well fitting shoes.
Your shoes should be comfortable and provide support and cushioning for the heel, arch and ball of the foot.
Avoid tight fitting shoes and high heels, or narrow shoes that crowd your toes.
Your feet will be larger in the afternoon, so this is the best time to buy new shoes.
If one foot is bigger than the other, buy your shoes in the larger size. Your doctor may recommend specially designed shoes (orthopaedic shoes) that fit the exact size and shape of your feet and cushion and distribute your weight. These shoes should only be worn by you.
Remember
The right buy
Don’t be rushed into buying shoes that you aren’t completely happy with.
The right choice
Wear appropriate shoes to protect your feet on every occasion.
bareAvoidfeet!
The right fit
Have your feet measured and try on the shoes to check they are long, wide and deep enough and don't rub.
The right style
Avoid open-toed or narrow toe shoes, these make injury more likely.
At home, wear comfortable shoes. On the beach, wear well-fitting joggers with socks that support your feet.
While shopping, wear enclosed shoes with socks that are easy to walk in.
Check your shoes before wearing them:
Turn shoes upside down and shake them
Put on your clean socks or stockings and then put your shoes on
Look inside the shoe
Feel inside the shoe
Support is available to quit smoking — and its really important to support your health.
Smoking affects your blood circulation.
These circulatory problems can result in more severe wounds and poor healing.
Your feet need a good blood flow to stay healthy.
Yarn to your doctor if you need help to quit smoking. You can also contact Quitline on 13 78 48.
www.health.gov.au/ contacts/quitline
Step 4
Get your feet checked regularly
Have your feet checked by a diabetes podiatrist at least every 12 months.
Podiatrists are experts in looking after feet and lower limbs. You don’t need a referral to see a podiatrist, however, a referral from your doctor under a care arrangement can help to cover the fee for this service.
Results
Take your blood test results to the podiatrist:
HbA1c (3-monthly blood test)
Vitamin D (bone health)
Cholesterol Levels (blood circulation health)
eGFR (kidney health).
During your visit to the podiatrist, they will check your::
Skin
Toenails
Foot function and shape
Nerves and feeling
Blood supply and circulation.
Your podiatrist will be able to: Check Diagnose Manage
Prevent any problems with your feet.
The podiatrist will also tell you and your doctor how to look after any problems raised during your check up.
Things to remember
Here is what you need to remember
Diabetes can reduce blood circulation leading to nerve damage, so you need to make sure you care for your feet really well.
If you have diabetes it is important to practise good foot care and check your feet for any injuries every day.
Wear good, supportive and appropriate footwear that fits well with clean socks or stockings.
To avoid nerve damage, it is important to live a healthy life — including being active, eating healthy foods, cutting down on both alcohol and sugary drinks, and quitting smoking.
Visit your doctor and podiatrist on a regular basis and keep your eye out — get your feet checked by a podiatrist as soon as possible if you notice any foot complications.
