FOOT CARE
Research has shown that people with diabetes who take good care of, and protect their feet from injury are much less likely to develop foot ulcers. Good foot care includes:

• Looking carefully at your feet each day, including between the toes. This is important if you have reduced sensation in your feet. If you see anything such as a cut, bruise, blister, redness or bleeding and don’t know what to do see your doctor or podiatrist.
  
• Do not try to deal with corns, calluses, verrucas or other foot problems by yourself. Do not use chemicals or special “acid” plasters to remove them.
  
• Use a moisturising cream for dry skin to prevent cracking, but do not apply it between the toes as this area is rarely too dry.
  
• Look out for athletes foot (a common skin infection). It causes cracks between the toes that can be sore and become infected, or it manifests itself as an itching on the surface of the foot. Treat it with an antifungal cream available on prescription or from the pharmacist.
  
• Cut your nails straight across, rather than rounding the edges as this could result in an in-growing toenail.
  
• Shoes, trainers and other footwear should fit well to take into account any awkward shapes or deformities. You should limit the wearing of shoes with high heels as this puts pressure on the toes and ball of the feet and slip-on style shoes should also only be worn for limited periods because these also restrict the toes and cause rubbing.
  
• Always check inside footwear before you put them on for stones, rough edges, etc.