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Diabetic foot care

A 2-minute daily foot check for people with diabetes

Diabetes can reduce feeling in your feet, so small injuries may go unnoticed. A quick daily check helps catch problems early.

Once a day, look at the tops, bottoms, and between the toes. Use a mirror or ask someone to help if you can't see the bottoms. Look for cuts, blisters, redness, swelling, calluses, and changes in color.

Feel for warm spots, which can signal inflammation. Check inside your shoes before putting them on, and never walk barefoot.

Call your podiatrist the same day for any open sore, spreading redness, drainage, or swelling. Go to the emergency room for fever with a foot wound. And see a podiatrist at least once a year for a full diabetic foot exam.

General information only, not medical advice.