Diabetic Foot Care: 7 Daily Checks That Prevent Serious Problems

Diabetes can quietly reduce sensation and blood supply in the feet long before you notice symptoms. The result is that small problems — a blister, a crack in the heel, a tiny stone in the shoe — can turn into ulcers and infections without warning. The good news: a 60-second daily check catches almost every problem early.

Your 7-step daily check

• 1. Look at the tops, soles, sides, and between every toe — use a mirror or ask a family member if you can't reach
• 2. Check colour — redness, blue/purple patches, or any area paler than the rest
• 3. Check temperature — one foot noticeably warmer than the other can be an early sign of infection or Charcot foot
• 4. Feel for new lumps, bumps, blisters, callus, or breaks in the skin
• 5. Check between the toes for soft, white, soggy skin (athlete's foot)
• 6. Inspect your nails — any black marks, lifting, or ingrown edges
• 7. Run your hand inside your shoes before putting them on — small stones, seams, or torn linings cause more ulcers than you'd think

Ring your podiatrist the same day if you see…

• Any break in the skin that wasn't there yesterday
• A blister, regardless of size
• A red, hot, or swollen toe or area of foot
• A black or dark area on the skin
• Any wound that is wet, discharging, or smells
• Sudden, unexplained foot pain or a foot that has changed shape

Annual foot screening — what it involves

An annual diabetic foot screening (£75 in our clinic) takes about 30 minutes and includes: a neurological assessment with a 10g monofilament and tuning fork, a vascular assessment using a hand-held Doppler, an inspection of skin and nail health, a footwear review, and a personalised risk classification with a written report you can share with your GP or diabetes nurse.