How diabetes affects your feet: Annual checks & ways to protect your feet

If you have diabetes, looking after your feet is very important. Diabetes can damage the nerves and blood vessels in your feet, increasing the risk of injuries, infections, and serious complications. This guide explains how diabetes affects your feet, how we check for problems, and what you can do to keep your feet healthy.

Why are your feet at risk with diabetes?

Diabetes can affect your feet in two main ways:

• Nerve damage (diabetic neuropathy): This means you might not feel pain, heat, or injuries like cuts or blisters.

• Poor blood flow (peripheral arterial disease): This makes it harder for wounds or infections to heal.

These problems can increase your risk of:

• Ulcers (open wounds)

• Infections

• Foot deformities

• Amputation in severe cases

That’s why diabetic foot care is a key part of your overall diabetes management.

How do we check your feet?

The NHS offers an annual diabetic foot check as part of your yearly diabetes review.

Annual foot check

• What it does: Checks your skin, nails, circulation, and feeling in your feet.

• Why it matters: Finds early signs of diabetic foot problems before they become serious.

• Where it’s done: At your GP practice, usually by a nurse or podiatrist.

• What to expect: They’ll examine your feet, test for sensation (with a small tool called a monofilament), and check your pulse.

You’ll be told your foot risk level (low, moderate, or high) and given advice or referred to a specialist if needed.

How can you look after your feet?

There’s a lot you can do every day to protect your feet:

1. Check your feet daily

• Look for cuts, redness, swelling, blisters, or anything unusual.

• Use a mirror or ask someone to help if needed.

2. Keep your feet clean and dry

• Wash them daily in warm (not hot) water.

• Dry gently, especially between your toes.

3. Moisturise but avoid between the toes

• Use a non-perfumed moisturiser to stop dry skin from cracking.

• Don’t put cream between your toes as it can encourage infection.

4. Cut toenails carefully

• Cut straight across and file sharp edges.

• If you have thick or curved nails, get help from a foot care specialist.

5. Wear good footwear

• Choose well-fitting shoes with a soft lining.

• Avoid walking barefoot, even at home.

6. Never ignore a foot problem

What else can help protect your feet?

1. Keep your blood sugar in target range

• High blood sugar increases nerve damage risk.

• Medications that can help include metformin, insulin, gliclazide, or newer treatments like dapagliflozin.

2. Control blood pressure and cholesterol

• Good circulation is vital for healthy feet.

• Medicines such as ramipril, amlodipine, or atorvastatin can help.

3. Don’t smoke

• Smoking narrows your blood vessels and makes circulation worse.

• NHS support includes nicotine patches, varenicline (Champix), or bupropion (Zyban).

• Read about the life-changing benefits of quitting smoking.

4. Stay active

• Regular activity boosts blood flow to your feet.

• Try walking, swimming, or gentle exercise daily.

• Read our article here for more ideas on how to move your body more throughout the day.

What if you have a foot problem?

If a problem is found, you may be referred to a podiatry (foot health) team. They can:

✔ Treat ulcers and wounds

✔ Provide specialist diabetic foot care advice

✔ Monitor high-risk feet

In serious cases, you might be seen in a specialist diabetic foot clinic.

Support from the NHS

• Your annual diabetic foot check is free and usually part of your yearly diabetes review.

• If you’re at moderate or high risk, you may get regular care from a podiatrist.

• Always report any foot problems early to avoid serious complications.

Take control of your foot health with these tips

• Diabetes can affect the nerves and blood flow in your feet.

• Have a foot check every year and look after your feet daily.

• Report any changes quickly to your GP or nurse.

• Keep your diabetes, blood pressure, and cholesterol well managed.

You are the most important person in your foot care. By checking your feet regularly and attending your yearly foot review, you can prevent serious problems and stay healthy on your feet.

Track your foot health with the Evergreen Life app

By staying on top of your annual foot checks, managing your blood sugar, and living a healthy lifestyle, you can protect your feet for years to come.

With the Evergreen Life app, you can keep track of your GP appointments, and test results all in one place – giving you greater control over your foot health. You can also explore questionnaires on wellness topics like nutrition, fitness and hydration to support you with your overall health and wellbeing.

✅ If you haven’t already, download the free Evergreen Life app to keep an eye on your results and feel more confident in your diabetes journey.

References

1. Diabetes UK. (2024). Diabetes and foot problems. Diabetes UK.
   Provides practical advice on daily foot care, when to seek help, and how to reduce risk.
2. Diabetes UK (2023) Foot Risk Awareness Leaflet (Information Prescription). Diabetes UK.
   A downloadable leaflet that outlines foot risk categories, care advice, and when to seek urgent help.
3. Diabetes UK (2024) Your annual diabetes foot check, Diabetes UK.
   Explains what happens during the annual NHS diabetic foot check and what the results mean.
4. NHS. (2025). Diabetes and foot problems. NHS.
   Offers an overview of other long-term health problems that can occur when you have diabetes, including how diabetes affects feet, what complications can occur, and how foot checks help prevent serious problems.
5. NICE. (2015; last updated 2019). Diabetic foot problems: Prevention and management (NG19).
   This clinical guideline covers the care pathway for diabetic foot problems, from risk assessment to specialist referral.