Some common foot conditions found in diabetes are neuropathy, structural deformities, nail changes, foot ulcers and skin changes i.e. dry skin and callouses. Your foot care nurse can help. Regular visits to a foot care health professional and health care teaching can help reduce the incidence of amputations related to diabetes.
15% of Canadians with diabetes will develop a foot ulcer in their lifetime. If you have diabetes examine your feet daily or have a family member look at them for you. It is better to catch and deal with an injury to the skin, or underlying tissues, on your feet sooner than later. Remember to find out from your health care professional how often you should have your feet examined ty them.
It is good practice to test your bath or shower water with your hand first, not your foot. This is to make sure it is not too hot. You can buy laser/digital thermometers from some stores for more exact, and safer tests.