People with diabetes should follow these simple tips:

• Check your feet every day (for cut, blisters redness, swelling, corn, calluses, ingrown or infected toe-nails)
  • If you cannot see the bottoms of your feet, use a mirror or ask someone for help.
• Wash your feet every day with luke warm water with mild soap.
  • Check the temperature of the water with your hand.
  • Avoid soaking your feet in water (skin gets dry afterwards).
• Dry your feet carefully, especially between the toes.
  • Use talcum powder or corn-starch to keep the skin dry between your toes (if sweat lot).
• Keep your skin soft and smooth. Apply a thin coat of skin lotion, cream on your feet (AVOID between your toes).
• You can gently smoothen your hard or dead skin with pumice stone.
  • Do not remove hard areas, corns and calluses with razor blades, corn plasters and callus removers as it can damage your skin.
• Trim your toenails straight across after shower and file the edges with an emery board or nail file.
  • Do not cut nails too short or the corners of your toenail.  Seek help from someone or a foot doctor if you are unable to reach them, ingrown or thick toenails.
• Protect your feet from hot and cold.
  • Never use hot water bottles, heating pads, or electric blankets. You can burn your feet without realizing it.
• Footwear: Never walk barefoot (indoors or outdoors).
  • Wear comfortable shoes that fit well (with plenty of room, especially in the toe box; avoid heels and pointed shoes) and protect your feet.
  • Shop for shoes in the evening as your feet tend to swell during the day.
  • Check inside your shoes before wearing them. Make sure the lining is smooth and there are no foreign objects inside.
  • Prefer athletic or walking shoes for more support.
• Socks: Always wear clean, seamless, lightly padded socks that fit well with your shoes to avoid the possibility of blisters and sores.
  • Prefer socks made up of breathable material (materials preferably of cotton or woollen which keep your feet dry and absorb moisture).
  • Do not wear socks or knee-high stockings that are too tight below your knee.
• Keep the blood flowing to your feet.
  • Put your feet up when sitting. Wiggle your toes and move your ankles up and down for 5 minutes, two (2) or three (3) times a day.
  • Don’t cross your legs for long periods of time.
  • Don’t smoke.