Off The Record

If You Spot These Alarming Signs In Your Feet, It’s Time To Check Yourself For Diabetes

Published on April 4, 2025

People with diabetes are more likely to experience foot problems, especially if they have nerve damage (neuropathy) or poor blood circulation.

Neuropathy, caused by prolonged high blood sugar, can reduce sensation in the feet, making it difficult to notice injuries such as cuts or blisters.

If You Spot These Alarming Signs In Your Feet, It's Time To Check Yourself For Diabetes

How Foot Complications Develop

Loss of sensation may cause a person to miss a small injury, like a sore or blister.
Weakened immunity and inflammation increase the risk of infection.
Poor circulation slows the healing process.
Untreated wounds can lead to serious issues, such as infection and gangrene.

Proper diabetes management and foot care are essential to preventing complications.

Common Foot Issues in Diabetes

People with diabetes are more prone to developing the following foot conditions:

Non-healing cuts, ulcers, burns, or blisters
Dry, cracked skin
Corns and calluses
Fungal infections (e.g., athlete’s foot, toenail fungus)
Ingrown toenails
Hammertoes and bunions

Diabetic Foot Ulcers

Foot and toe ulcers are common and occur in about 15% of people with diabetes. These open sores often develop from pressure or friction. If untreated, ulcers can become infected and may require amputation. Early treatment significantly lowers this risk.

Signs and Symptoms

Contact your healthcare provider if you notice:

Cuts, blisters, sores, or changes to your toenails
Bleeding or fluid discharge
Foul odor from a wound
Pain, swelling, or skin discoloration

Severe Complications

Gangrene

Gangrene is the death of tissue due to a lack of blood supply and is a medical emergency. Symptoms include:

Skin color changes (red, brown, purple, or greenish-black)
Cold, swollen skin
Severe pain or numbness
Foul-smelling discharge
Fever, chills, nausea, and rapid heartbeat

Seek emergency care immediately if you notice these signs.

Charcot Foot

This is a rare complication where weakened bones in the foot fracture and collapse. Early signs include:

Pain
Redness or warmth
Swelling

Prompt medical treatment is essential to prevent long-term damage.

Causes

The main causes of diabetes-related foot conditions are:

Diabetic neuropathy: Nerve damage that reduces sensation in the feet
Peripheral artery disease (PAD): Reduced blood flow that slows healing

Consistently high blood sugar levels over time damage nerves and blood vessels. Risk increases with poorly managed diabetes.

Diagnosis

To diagnose a foot issue, your healthcare provider will:

Ask about symptoms and diabetes management
Examine your feet and legs
Test for sensation using medical tools
Possibly use imaging (X-ray, MRI) or lab tests if there’s an open wound

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the condition. Always seek professional care rather than self-treating. A podiatrist may:

Clean the wound and drain pus
Remove dead or infected tissue
Apply bandages and healing ointments
Prescribe antibiotics
Recommend offloading (reducing pressure on the foot) with crutches or a wheelchair
Admit you to the hospital for severe infections
Perform surgery, including possible amputation in extreme cases

Early care reduces the risk of complications.

Prevention Tips

To reduce your risk of foot problems:

Control your blood sugar
Check your feet daily for changes, including between the toes
Trim toenails properly and file sharp edges
Wear proper shoes and socks; check for debris inside shoes
Avoid extreme temperatures on your feet
Keep blood flowing by staying active, elevating your feet, and wiggling your toes
Wash and moisturize daily, but don’t apply lotion between toes
Get routine foot exams from your doctor or podiatrist

Avoid:

Removing corns or calluses on your own
Smoking
Soaking feet
Walking barefoot

Outlook

Foot complications are common among people who’ve had diabetes for many years. Early detection and treatment are key. Outcomes vary based on how early a problem is caught and how well it responds to treatment.