Dos and Don'ts for Diabetics

Dos for Diabetics:

Wash feet daily; always dry carefully between the toes.
Powder feet and shoes after bathing.
Keep feet warm and dry.
Inspect feet daily for cuts, blisters and scratches.
Cut toenails straight across.
Ask your physician, podiatrist or pharmacist to recommend a mild lubricant to protect your feet from cracking and drying.
Wear loose-fitting socks to bed if feet are cold; never use hot packs or hot water bottles.
Wear comfortable, well-fitting shoes.
Carefully break in new shoes to avoid blisters.
Inspect the inside of shoes for foreign objects and torn linings.

Don'ts for Diabetics:

Don't walk barefoot, even indoors!
Don't smoke.  Smoking reduces blood circulation; in diabetics, this can lead to the loss of a limb.
Don't cut corns or callouses yourself.
Avoid open-toed shoes, particularly sandals with thongs between the toes.

When to Contact Your Doctor:

Ingrown toenail.
Athlete's foot (cracking and peeling between the toes or on the bottom of the foot).
Cut, sore or discoloration that shows no sign of healing.
Pain in the feet or calves.