When I was working at a Melbourne community health clinic early in my career, I met a gentleman named John who lived with type 2 diabetes. He was a keen fisherman, often out on the bay but neglected his foot care routine. Over time, he developed a small blister that he barely noticed because of reduced sensation from his diabetes. That blister turned into a stubborn ulcer, and it took months of treatment before it healed. His story is all too common—and it’s why daily diabetes foot care is absolutely crucial.
Diabetes can affect your feet in a few sneaky ways: it can dull your feeling, slow down blood flow, and make infections a bigger risk. These changes increase the chances of wounds that just won’t heal, burns, and, in the worst cases, amputations. That’s why regular check-ups and everyday care can make a world of difference.
Here in Australia, with our warm climate and active outdoor lifestyle, it’s tempting to slip off shoes and go barefoot on the beach or around the house. But for those living with diabetes, this is a risky game. The smallest cut or scrape can quickly become a problem without proper care.
The takeaway? If you have diabetes, you need to see a podiatrist at least every 3 to 12 months, depending on your risk level. And you need to follow a simple daily routine to keep your feet in top shape.
Your Daily Diabetes Foot Care Checklist
I’ve found that breaking foot care into easy daily steps helps patients stick with it — here’s a checklist you can follow:
| Task | Why It Matters | Tips |
| Wash and dry feet thoroughly, especially between toes | Removes sweat and bacteria that can cause infections | Use warm (not hot) water; dry well to prevent moisture build-up |
| Apply foot cream, avoiding between toes | Keeps skin soft and prevents cracks | Use a moisturiser recommended by your podiatrist; avoid damp areas to prevent fungal infections |
| Check feet daily for cuts, blisters, or breaks | Early detection prevents infection | Use a mirror or ask a family member if you have difficulty seeing your feet |
| For cuts or blisters, clean with betadine and use a breathable dressing | Protects wounds and promotes healing | Change dressings daily until healed; keep wounds clean and dry |
| Monitor for infection signs — redness, swelling, discharge | Diabetes may dull pain sensation | If unsure, don’t hesitate to see your doctor promptly |
| Test water temperature with your elbow before foot baths | Prevents burns due to reduced sensation | Avoid hot water; water temperature should feel warm but not hot |
| Limit soaking feet to under 10 minutes | Prevents skin from getting too soft and fragile | Excess moisture increases risk of skin breaks |
| Get shoes professionally fitted | Avoids rubbing, blisters, and pressure points | Look for reputable shoe stores that understand diabetic footwear needs |
| Check shoes daily for foreign objects | Prevents unnoticed injuries | Shake out shoes before putting them on |
| Never walk barefoot | Avoids cuts and injuries | Even indoors, wear slippers or socks with grip |
| Avoid direct heat sources on feet (hot water bottles, heaters) | Prevents burns that may go unnoticed | Use safer warming methods, like electric blankets, with caution |
| Wear cotton or wool blend socks with loose tops | Allows good circulation and breathability | Avoid tight socks or synthetic materials that trap moisture |
| Have hard skin treated by a podiatrist | Prevents cracks that can lead to wounds | Don’t attempt to remove hard skin yourself |
| Do not cut toenails yourself if sensation or circulation is poor | Prevents accidental cuts and infection | Book regular podiatry visits for nail care |
Why Regular Podiatrist Visits Are Non-Negotiable
From my experience at Well Heeled Podiatry, I can’t stress enough how critical regular foot checks are for people with diabetes. Melbourne’s climate—with its chilly winters and hot summers—can really play havoc on your skin and circulation, especially if you’re not keeping an eye on things.
When I see patients, I usually recommend a diabetes foot assessment every 3 to 12 months. That range depends on your risk level: someone with good sensation and circulation might only need a yearly check, but if you’ve had ulcers, numbness, or poor blood flow, three-monthly visits are a must.
During the assessment, we check for:
- Loss of sensation using specialised tools like monofilaments. This helps identify areas where you might not feel pain or pressure.
- Circulation issues by checking pulses in your feet and ankles.
- Any skin changes, deformities, or early signs of pressure areas.
- Nail health and any signs of infection.
This hands-on check helps us catch problems early before they turn nasty. I often remind my patients that catching a small blister before it becomes an ulcer is like spotting a leak before the whole roof caves in.
A Typical Foot Care Timeline to Keep on Track
It can feel overwhelming at first, so here’s a simple timeline that many of my patients find helpful. Think of it as your monthly foot health diary:
| Timeframe | What to Do | Why |
| Daily | Follow the foot care checklist: wash, dry, moisturise, check for cuts, wear proper socks and shoes | Keeps skin healthy and spots problems early |
| Weekly | Inspect your footwear for wear and tear, check shoe interiors | Prevents injuries caused by worn shoes or debris |
| Monthly | Review skin condition for thickened areas or calluses | Hard skin can crack and cause infections if untreated |
| Every 3 months | Visit your podiatrist for a diabetes foot risk assessment | Professional check to catch silent issues like nerve damage |
| Every 6-12 months | Have a comprehensive foot health review including circulation testing | Keeps tabs on your risk category and adjusts care plan |
Real Talk: What Happens If You Ignore Foot Care?
Let me share a story from a patient I treated not too long ago. Susan, a vibrant retiree from Bendigo, admitted she hadn’t really thought much about her feet until she noticed a sore that wouldn’t heal on her heel. By then, the wound was infected, and she ended up needing hospital treatment.
Her story is a wake-up call. Diabetes-related foot problems often start small—maybe a tiny blister or a little crack—but because sensation is reduced, they’re easy to overlook. That’s why daily vigilance and regular podiatry visits aren’t just a “good idea” — they can literally save your foot, and even your life.
Easy, Everyday Tips for Aussie Living with Diabetes
Here are a few simple, practical tips tailored for our Aussie lifestyle:
- Beach days? Always wear protective footwear. Sand can hide sharp shells or debris, and salty water dries out your skin.
- Gardening? Don’t forget gloves and sturdy shoes. A small thorn or prick could turn into a big problem.
- Winter warmth: Avoid hot water bottles directly on feet. Use layers of blankets or socks instead.
- Aussie summers: Keep feet dry and cool. Change socks if you’re sweating, and consider breathable shoes.
If you’re keen to keep your feet in top shape or unsure about your current foot care routine, pop in to Well Heeled Podiatry. We’ll walk you through a personalised plan that fits your lifestyle.
Spotting Early Warning Signs: Don’t Let a Small Problem Turn Sour
One of the trickiest things about diabetes foot care is that many problems creep up quietly. Because of reduced sensation—what we call peripheral neuropathy—you might not feel pain from cuts, blisters, or burns until it’s too late.
Here’s a handy checklist of warning signs to look out for every day:
| Warning Sign | What It Could Mean | What To Do |
| Redness or swelling | Possible infection or inflammation | Clean area gently, monitor closely, see your podiatrist or GP if it worsens |
| Blisters or sores that don’t heal | Ulcers or skin breakdown | Keep clean, dress with breathable coverings, seek professional care urgently |
| Changes in skin colour (pale, blue, or dark patches) | Circulation issues or infection | Book a podiatry assessment promptly |
| Dry, cracked skin or peeling | Risk of infection through skin breaks | Moisturise regularly, avoid harsh soaps, ask podiatrist for treatment of hard skin |
| Unusual sensations — tingling, burning, numbness | Neuropathy progressing | Discuss with your podiatrist, who can assess nerve health |
| Foot deformities or changes in shape | Risk of pressure points causing ulcers | Professional evaluation and possible footwear adjustments needed |
| Ingrown or thickened toenails | Can lead to infection or discomfort | Don’t try to cut these yourself if you have poor sensation; see a podiatrist |
What To Do If You Notice Something Off
If you tick any boxes above, don’t muck about. Early intervention is your best mate in preventing complications.
- Clean any wounds immediately with mild antiseptic like betadine.
- Cover with a breathable dressing and change daily.
- Avoid walking barefoot or putting pressure on the affected foot.
- See your podiatrist or GP straight away. Even if there’s no pain, infections can progress rapidly.
In the clinic, I often see patients who’ve been ignoring subtle signs. It’s not uncommon for someone to say, “I didn’t think it was a big deal,” only for us to discover a deep ulcer needing more intensive treatment. Catching things early is like nipping a problem in the bud — it saves time, pain, and sometimes surgery.
How Well Heeled Podiatry Supports You
At Well Heeled Podiatry, we tailor every diabetes foot assessment and treatment plan to your individual needs. From checking nerve function to circulation tests and footwear advice, we cover all bases.
If you’re already at risk or have a history of foot issues, we’ll help you set up a personalised daily care routine, including:
- Specific moisturisers that won’t trap moisture between toes.
- Custom footwear recommendations based on your foot shape and lifestyle.
- Regular professional removal of hard skin or nail care.
- Education on recognising warning signs early.
We understand that managing diabetes can sometimes feel like a full-time job—our goal is to make foot care straightforward and manageable, fitting into your life without fuss.
Quick Recap: Your Action Plan
Here’s a simple checklist to keep handy:
- Check feet every day using the warning signs table.
- Keep feet clean, dry, and moisturised (but not between toes).
- Avoid barefoot walking at all costs.
- Get your shoes fitted professionally and check them before wearing.
- Book your podiatry assessment regularly, at least annually.
- Don’t hesitate to seek help at the first sign of trouble.
Want to chat about your foot care routine or book a diabetes foot assessment? Give us a bell or drop into Well Heeled Podiatry — we’re here to keep you walking pain-free, no matter what life throws at you.
