Diabetes is a lifelong condition that can cause foot problems. These problems can happen because the nerves and blood vessels supplying your feet are damaged.

This can affect:

  • the feeling in your feet (peripheral neuropathy)
  • the circulation in your feet (ischaemia)

These changes can be very gradual and you many not notice them. This is why it is essential that you receive a foot screen and assessment by a trained professional every year. Your foot screen has shown that you do not have nerve or blood vessel damage at present. This means you are currently at low risk of developing foot complications because of your diabetes. As your feet are in good condition you may not need regular podiatry treatment. If you follow the simple advice in this leaflet you should be able to carry out your own foot care unless you develop a specific problem.

Controlling your diabetes, cholesterol and blood pressure levels, will help to reduce future foot problems happening. There is more information at the end of this fact sheet. You will also need to have your feet screened and assessed at regular intervals by a podiatrist.

If you smoke you are strongly advised to stop. Smoking affects your circulation. This can lead to amputation.

How can I avoid problems with my feet?

Keep your blood glucose levels within the range recommended by your doctor, eat a healthy diet and follow these simple foot care rules:

  • Inspect your feet daily. If bending is difficult you may need a mirror to look at the bottom of your feet. If your sight is poor or your mobility is restricted you may need to ask a family or carer to help.
  • Wash your feet daily with lukewarm water & mild soap. Do not soak them. Soaking can dry your skin.
  • Dry carefully with a soft towel, including between the toes. Keep your skin moisturised by using something like E45 cream every day. Avoid the skin between your toes.
  • If the skin is moist or sweaty between your toes wipe with surgical spirit on cotton wool.
  • Avoid exposure to direct heat like hot baths, hot water bottles, fires, electric blankets, foot spas etc.
  • Do not treat corns or hard skin yourself. The use of corn plasters, razors, knives etc. is extremely dangerous if you have diabetes.
  • Do not walk barefoot. A piece of grit or even a pet hair can penetrate the skin. This can cause infection.
  • Do not cut your toe nails unless your podiatrist advises you to. If advised cut your nails straight but not too short. Gently file any rough edges with an emery board. It may help if you cut your nails immediately after bathing when they are softer.
  • Do not pick or tear the nails. This can create sharp edges which can lead to infection.
  • Have your feet measured when buying new shoes. Ask your podiatrist for advice about appropriate styles.
  • Wear socks and stockings without seams or repairs that may cause friction. Look for socks with soft tops. These will not restrict your circulation.
  • Stop smoking. It increases your risk of developing long-term complications.

Special precautions to be taken when on holiday

  • Use high factor sun protection on your feet and legs.
  • Avoid walking barefoot and don't walk on hot sand.
  • Always wear socks with your shoes. They give an extra layer of protection between the shoe and your foot. They also help to avoid blisters. Get up and walk around often when traveling by air to help your circulation.
  • Limit your exposure to cold and damp conditions by insulating your feet and wearing waterproof footwear. You may wish to wear loose fitting socks in bed if your feet are cold at night.
  • Take a simple first-aid kit with you so that you can cover any broken areas of skin with a dry sterile dressing, to minimise the risk of infection.

What should I do if I've got a problem?

Appropriate foot care can help prevent common foot problems and treat them before they cause serious complications. Do not wait for your next appointment in the hope that healing will happen on its own. If you notice any of the following changes get help from your podiatrist, nurse or G.P:

  • New swelling, heat, pain or unusual odour.
  • Change in colour. For example blacker, bluer, redder or whiter than usual.
  • Blisters, cracks, callus, abrasions, discharge or ulceration.

If you cannot get hold of anyone and there is no sign of healing (even after one day) go to your local accident and emergency or out of hours service.

Every break in the skin is potentially serious. Cover the area with a dry sterile dressing like Melolin. This is available from your chemist or supermarket. Do not burst blisters. Avoid using antiseptics unless directed by your podiatrist or Doctor. They may injure the skin.

Controlling your diabetes (blood sugar), cholesterol, blood pressure and weight within recommended levels will help to reduce the risk of developing problems with your feet. You should also have your feet screened every year. It is important to know your personal goals and to be aware of the status of your control to stay healthy with diabetes. When you attend for Diabetes Care you may be given personal target levels for blood glucose, blood pressure, cholesterol and weight. These should have been agreed by you and your diabetes healthcare team.

HbA1c

Gives an indication of the blood glucose control over the previous 2 to 3 months.  High blood glucose levels can lead to the development of the long-term complications of diabetes, such as:

  • nerve damage (neuropathy)
  • kidney problems (nephropathy)
  • eye damage (retinopathy)
  • foot problems

Target result: below 48 mmol/mol. Individuals at risk of severe hypoglycaemia should aim for an HbA1c of less than 58 mmol/mol.

Ways to reduce your blood glucose
  • keep to the recommended weight for your height
  • take regular physical activity
  • follow a healthy eating plan

Blood pressure

A measurement of the pressure on the walls of your arteries as your heart beats by contracting and relaxing.  It is important to have your blood pressure checked at least once a year as part of your annual review for diabetes. This helps to make sure that it is in the target range and not increasing your risk of developing diabetes complications, including cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Target result: 130/80 or less

Ways to reduce your blood pressure
  • lose excess weight and keep it off
  • reduce salt intake
  • reduce stress levels
  • stick to recommended daily alcohol intake
  • increase regular physical activity
  • stop smoking

Blood fats (lipids)

these are triglycerides, total cholesterol including low density lipoproteins (LDLs) – ‘bad cholesterol’. Too much fat in the blood can contribute to developing poor circulation, heart disease and stroke.

Your target blood lipids results

Total cholesterol: less than 4mmol/l

Triglyceride level: 1.7mmol/l or less

LDL level: less than 2mmol/l

HDL level: 1mmol/l or more (men) and 1.2mmol/l or more (women)

Ways to improve your lipid levels
  • reduce weight and saturated fat intake
  • take regular physical activity
  • eat more fruit and vegetables
  • eat oily fish twice a week
  • limit alcohol
  • control glucose levels

Contact details for help and advice

Carlisle Podiatry Service
Carlisle Health Care
Eden Street
Carlisle
CA3 9JZ

Call 01228 608020

Eden Podiatry Service
Penrith Health Centre
Penrith
CA11 8HW

Call 01768 245628

Allerdale Podiatry Service
Workington Community Hospital
Park Lane
Workington
CA14 2RW

Call 01900 705120

Copeland Podiatry Service
Flatt Walks Health Centre
Whitehaven
CA28 7QE
Call 01946 692173

GP, nurse practitioner or practice nurse – contact the surgery you are registered with.

Multidisciplinary Diabetic Foot clinics (MDFT) provided at the Cumberland Infirmary, Carlisle and West Cumberland Hospital, Whitehaven:
Diabetes Centre
Cumberland Infirmary
Newtown Rd
Carlisle
CA2 7HY

Call 01946 68599. Monitored Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm.

NHS out of hours service contact 111.

A&E department at Cumberland Infirmary or West Cumberland Hospital.

Confidentiality

‘The Trust’s vision is to keep your information safe in our hands.’ We promise to use your information fairly and legally, and in-line with local and national policies. You have a right to understand how your information is used and you can request a copy of the information we hold about you at any time.

For further information on confidentiality contact the Information Governance Team:

Information.Governance@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 603961

Feedback

We appreciate and encourage feedback, which helps us to improve our services. If you have any comments, compliments or concerns to make about your care, please contact the Patient, Advice & Liaison Service:

pals@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 814008 or 01946 523818

If you would like to raise a complaint regarding your care, please contact the Complaints Department:

complaints@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 936302