Diabetic foot is one of the most serious, dangerous and common long-term complications of diabetes mellitus. This condition is not an isolated problem – it is a consequence of a disease affecting the whole body and needs attention every day. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), as many as 1 in 4 people with diabetes develop foot ulcers during their lifetime. More than half of these can lead to serious infections, and one in five can end in limb amputation. But these painful consequences are not inevitable – by recognising the risks in time and taking the right preventive measures, diabetic foot can be managed effectively and complications avoided.
WHAT IS DIABETIC FOOT?
Diabetic foot is a complex condition caused by long-term high blood glucose, which damages the nervous system (diabetic neuropathy) and blood circulation (ischaemia). This damage reduces the resilience of the skin and tissues of the foot, slows healing and suppresses natural defence mechanisms. As a result, even minor injuries – such as a spot rubbed by a shoe – can become a source of infection.
Diabetic neuropathy means that a person no longer feels pain, heat or pressure, so they may not notice cuts or burns. Meanwhile, damaged blood vessels supply the foot tissues with too little blood – this makes wound healing harder and creates favourable conditions for bacteria to multiply. Diabetic foot is not only a medical but also a social problem, as complications can lead to long-term disability, loss of independence and high treatment costs.
WARNING SIGNS: WHEN TO WORRY
One of the main problems is that diabetic foot may not cause any clear symptoms for a long time. Due to loss of sensation, the patient feels no discomfort, so the first signs are often noticed too late.
Warning signs to watch out for:
- Numbness or tingling – one of the first symptoms of nerve damage, indicating developing neuropathy.
- Insensitivity to pain or temperature – a person may not even notice that they have cut, burned or chafed their foot.
- Skin changes – redness, swelling, bluish discolouration, dryness or flaking may indicate inflammation or circulation problems.
- Wounds or cracks – non-healing ulcers are especially dangerous, as they can quickly become infected.
- Unpleasant odour, pus – signs that an infection has started in the wound and bacteria have already damaged deeper tissues.
If you notice any of these signs, see a doctor as soon as possible – even a small wound can lead to amputation if it is not noticed in time.
FOOT CARE BASICS
Proper daily foot care is one of the most effective ways to prevent diabetic foot complications. It includes not only hygiene but also self-checks, prevention and wearing the right footwear.
Daily inspection
Check both feet every evening – especially between the toes, the heels, the soles and around the nails. If it is difficult to bend down, use a mirror or ask someone close to you for help. Look for:
- redness, blisters, cuts
- cracks or scratches
- deformities or pressure marks from footwear
Hygiene
- Wash your feet every day in warm, not hot, water.
- Use a mild, unscented soap so as not to disturb the skin's microflora.
- Dry the skin thoroughly, especially between the toes – moisture promotes fungal infections.
- Moisturise the skin with special creams, but never apply cream between the toes.
Nail and callus care
- Cut nails straight across, avoiding rounding the corners.
- Never use knives or sharp objects to remove calluses.
- If you have calluses or ingrown nails, see a doctor or podiatrist.
Footwear
- Footwear should be comfortable, not too tight, made of natural materials and without hard seams or internal parts.
- Even at home it is not recommended to walk barefoot – you can injure yourself even on carpets or floors.
- If you have foot deformities, special orthopaedic footwear or insoles that distribute pressure evenly are recommended.
WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR
Although prevention is extremely important, some situations require an immediate medical examination:
- Wounds that do not heal for more than 2–3 days.
- Any pus, swelling or redness indicating infection.
- Changes in skin colour – this may be the first sign of necrosis or gangrene.
- Very cold feet or no pulse in the foot indicate serious circulation problems.
Even if a wound looks small, in people with diabetes it can progress very quickly. That is why seeing a doctor is not a backup option but a necessary step.
COMPLICATIONS THAT CAN BE AVOIDED
If diabetic foot is not properly cared for, it can have very serious consequences:
- Infections – foot wounds become infected quickly and often require hospitalisation.
- Bone damage (osteomyelitis) – bacteria can reach the bone and cause long-term inflammation.
- Gangrene – tissue death due to impaired circulation, most often treated by amputation.
- Limb amputation – often necessary when the infection affects a large area of tissue.
However, as many as 80% of these cases can be avoided if a person with diabetes checks their feet regularly, maintains good hygiene and does not ignore warning signs.
EVERYDAY TIPS
- Never walk barefoot – neither at home nor outdoors.
- Avoid using heaters or heated socks – loss of sensation can lead to burns.
- Wear soft, seamless socks – preferably made of natural materials (e.g. cotton).
- Eat a healthy diet and keep your blood glucose under control – this is a key preventive measure.
- See a doctor specialising in foot care at least once a year – even if everything seems fine.
For daily care of the skin on your feet we recommend Eubos Diabetic's Skin Care Foot & Leg Cream – developed for the dry, crack-prone skin on the feet and legs of people with diabetes.
SOURCES
- American Diabetes Association (ADA)
- International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot (IWGDF)
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- Mayo Clinic – Diabetic foot care
- Cleveland Clinic – Diabetic Foot Ulcers
- World Health Organization (WHO) – Diabetes
- Journal of Foot and Ankle Research
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