People with diabetes are prone to foot problems because the disease's complications can cause damage to the blood vessels and nerves, which may result in a decreased ability to sense trauma or pressure on the foot. A foot injury may go unnoticed until severe infection develops.
Diabetes also alters the immune system, thus decreasing the body's ability to fight infection.
Check the feet every day. Inspect the top, sides, soles, heels, and between the toes. Wash the feet every day with lukewarm water and mild soap, and dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes. Strong soaps may damage the skin. Test the temperature of the water before immersing the feet, because the normal ability to sense hot temperature is usually impaired in diabetics and burns can easily occur.