Diabetes makes people susceptible to foot problems due to two main complications - nerve damage (neuropathy) and poor blood flow. Neuropathy causes patients to lose sensation in the feet, thereby making them unable to detect the resulting pain of injury or irritation.

Poor circulation in the feet slows wound healing and causes a minor cut or blister to turn into an infection.

Patients with diabetes are at an increased risk of developing infections and other serious complications. Nerve damage is a possible outcome of diabetes that causes loss of sensation in the feet. Patients may also have poor circulation and have difficulties healing from injury or resisting infection. These problems may leave a foreign object in the shoe unnoticed, causing a blister or sore to develop. Possible outcomes are infection or wounds that do not heal, putting patients at risk for amputation.

Check your feet daily for cuts, blisters, redness, swelling or changes in nail appearance. A magnifying mirror can help you view the bottom of your feet. Contact Dr. Radovic if any of these signs are apparent.

Moisturize your feet daily to prevent cracking and irritation from dry skin. DO NOT apply moisturizer between the toes to avoid a possible fungal infection.`

Trim your toenails straight across and debride the edges. Cut the nails slightly as trimming too short could result in ingrown toenails. Visit Dr. Radovic with any concerns about your toenails.

Always consult Dr. Radovic for professional treatment of corns and calluses. "Bathroom surgery" and medicated pads pose potential dangers.

Wear clean, dry socks and change them daily.

Wear appropriate socks by avoiding tight elastic bands and thick or bulky structure. These types of socks can fit improperly, reduce circulation and cause rash or other skin irritations.

Wear socks at night if your feet are cold. DO NOT apply a heating pad or a hot water bottle to your feet.

Keep in mind that your feet may not feel a foreign object inside your shoes, so always feel the inside prior to wearing them.

Avoid exposing your feet to snow, rain or other wet conditions. Warm, dry socks and shoes will keep your feet dry in the winter.

Protect your feet from sharp objects by wearing shoes indoors and outdoors.

Check your glucose levels regularly.

Do not smoke, as this practice slows blood circulation in the feet.

Consult Dr. Radovic regularly as a preventative measure of complications in the feet.