context: If you have diabetes, it's important to take good care of your feet. That's because the condition makes you more likely to have foot problems such as numbness, sores, and poor blood flow. If these issues get bad enough, they can mean you'll need surgery to remove your foot, called amputation. You can avoid this operation, though, through two important strategies: Keep your condition under control, and be sure you protect and inspect your feet every day. Many people with diabetes have two other conditions that raise their chances of foot amputation: diabetic neuropathy and peripheral arterial disease ( PAD). Neuropathy is nerve damage. It can mean you're less able to feel heat, cold, and even sharp objects. If you have neuropathy in your feet, you could walk around all day with a rock in your shoe and not know it. That means you could get a bad cut and not notice until it gets infected. With PAD, fatty deposits build up in your arteries, causing poor blood flow to your legs and feet. When you don't have good circulation, it's hard for your body to fight infections. So, a cut you get from a rock in your shoe could get infected and not heal. It's one reason a doctor may recommend amputation. Poor blood flow also can cause gangrene, a medical term for dead tissue and a common reason for amputation. Gangrene can happen because of PAD or when high blood sugar levels damage blood vessels over time. Besides neuropathy and PAD, other things can raise your odds of a foot amputation: A family history of diabetes-related foot amputations Other family members with diabetes Foot ulcers Foot fractures Slow-healing wounds Toenail fungus or other toenail infections Bunions Corns Thick calluses Even with a bad infection or a wound that won't heal, your doctor may not suggest foot amputation -- at least not right away. Depending on your condition, she might instead recommend: Surgery to clean the wound and remove dead tissue Antibiotics, which you'll get at the hospital through a tube (an IV) into your vein Amputation of one or more toes Surgery that brings new blood flow to your foot, called revascularization You're much more likely to avoid a foot amputation if you make your health and your feet a priority. Some steps you can take to lower your risk: Quit smoking . Like PAD and diabetes, smoking can reduce blood flow to your feet. That can make wounds slow to heal. Get some exercise. It can help you control your diabetes and improve blood flow to your feet. Check your feet every day. Look over every part, even between your toes. If you need help, ask a partner or use a mirror. Let your doctor know if you see cuts, blisters, or any other foot problems, such as: Color changes, a sign of a problem with your foot's blood supply Less feeling in your feet Ingrown toenails Corns or calluses Plantar warts (flesh-colored growths) Warm spots Wear the right shoes. They have to protect all parts of your feet, which rules out sandals, clogs, and other footwear that doesn't completely cover them. Ask your doctor about prescription shoes -- your insurance plan may cover the cost. Has your doctor already told you that amputation is the best thing to do? Don't think of it as a failure of your diabetes treatment. Think of it as a way to help you heal faster, so you can get back to the activities you enjoy. Also, keep in mind that you may be getting rid of a serious infection that could have led to the amputation of your entire leg later. Many people who get a foot amputation even enjoy better health after the surgery.