Shoes should surround the foot with soft complaint material. They should be firm enough to protect the feet, but not pinch or constrict. Most patients with diabetes do not require specially made shoes, although if particular problems develop, they may be recommended by the doctor. Before putting a pair of shoes on, they should be shaken out to remove any stones or objects which may be in them, and inspect for any irregularities in the inside surface. New shoes should be broken in slowly and carefully.
Nicotine decreases circulation to the feet significantly.
Diabetics may lose the ability to perspire on the feet and legs. They may, therefore, need to supplement the skin's natural moisture with cream or lotion. This helps prevent eventual cracking of the skin and resultant infections. Walking is excellent exercise and actually improves blood flow to the feet by maintaining the width of existing large vessels and widening the small vessels to support the larger ones. The key instruction here is walk to tolerance.