Diabetic Foot Care Checklist: A Daily Routine

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Diabetes can, over time, affect circulation and nerve sensation in the feet, which means small injuries can go unnoticed longer than they should. A short daily routine is one of the simplest ways to catch problems early.

Daily checklist

• Inspect both feet, including between the toes and the soles, for cuts, blisters, redness, or swelling — use a mirror or ask for help if needed
• Wash feet in lukewarm (not hot) water and dry thoroughly, especially between the toes
• Moisturize the tops and bottoms of feet, avoiding the area between toes where excess moisture can encourage fungal growth
• Put on clean, well-fitting socks and shoes; avoid walking barefoot

Weekly and ongoing habits

• Trim toenails straight across to help prevent ingrown nails
• Check shoes for foreign objects, rough seams, or wear before putting them on
• Rotate shoes rather than wearing the same pair daily

Warning signs that need prompt medical attention

Contact your doctor or podiatrist promptly if you notice a cut or sore that isn't healing, increasing redness or warmth, drainage, a foul odor, or any new numbness or tingling. These can be early signs of infection or nerve changes that benefit from early treatment.

Why this matters over time

Consistent blood sugar management is part of protecting nerve and circulatory health long-term — see blood sugar target ranges by time of day for general reference points, and check your own numbers with our A1C to eAG converter.

Footwear matters too

Well-fitting, supportive shoes reduce pressure points and friction that can lead to blisters or sores. Many podiatrists recommend trying on new shoes later in the day, when feet are naturally slightly larger, and breaking them in gradually rather than wearing them for a full day right away.

Professional foot exams

Beyond daily self-checks, a comprehensive foot exam by a doctor or podiatrist — checking circulation, sensation, and skin integrity — is generally recommended at least once a year for people with diabetes, and more often if any risk factors or prior foot issues are present. These exams can catch changes in sensation or circulation before they become visible problems.

Special considerations with reduced sensation

If nerve changes (neuropathy) have reduced sensation in the feet, injuries can go unnoticed simply because they don't hurt the way they normally would. This makes the visual daily check even more important than feeling for pain, and it's part of why properly fitted shoes and never walking barefoot are emphasized so consistently in foot care guidance.

Sources

NIDDK: Diabetes & Foot Problems · CDC: Diabetes and Foot Care