If you’re living with diabetes, you already know how important it is to manage your blood sugar—but caring for your feet is just as essential. Diabetes can reduce circulation and damage nerves in the feet, which increases the risk of infections, ulcers, and can even lead to amputation if not managed early.
At Northwest Family Clinics, we work closely with our partners at Twin Cities Foot & Ankle to provide comprehensive foot care for patients with diabetes. Together, we help patients catch small issues before they turn into serious complications.
Here’s what you need to know about protecting your feet—and how a strong care team can make all the difference.
Why Foot Care is Important for People with Diabetes
Diabetes can lead to neuropathy (nerve damage) and poor circulation, which makes it harder to feel pain or notice injuries. A tiny blister, scrape, or ingrown toenail that would be harmless for someone else can quickly become a serious infection for someone with diabetes.
That’s why daily foot care, routine monitoring, and annual foot exams by your doctor are critical to staying ahead of potential issues.
Everyday Foot Care Tips to Prevent Complications
Here are simple steps you can take at home to care for your feet:
Check Your Feet Daily
Look for blisters, cuts, redness, swelling, or sores—especially between the toes and on the soles. Use a mirror or ask for help if you have trouble seeing the bottoms of your feet.
Wash and Moisturize
Wash your feet daily in warm (not hot) water and dry them thoroughly—especially between the toes. Use lotion on the tops and bottoms of your feet to prevent dry skin (that can crack and break down the skin barrier), but avoid putting lotion between your toes where moisture can lead to fungal infections.
Trim Toenails Carefully
Cut nails straight across and file sharp edges. If you have vision problems or reduced feeling in your feet, it’s safer to have your toenails trimmed by a professional.
Never Walk Barefoot
Even indoors! Wear clean, comfortable socks and well-fitting shoes at all times to protect your feet from injuries or pressure points.
Wear the Right Footwear
Choose shoes that fit well, offer support, and don’t rub or cause pressure. Your doctor may recommend diabetic shoes or insoles that help reduce risk of sores.
Manage Blood Sugar Levels
Keeping your blood glucose in a healthy range supports circulation and slows the progression of nerve damage.
Partnering with Twin Cities Foot & Ankle: Why Specialist Care Matters
If you’ve had past foot issues, or you’re starting to notice symptoms like numbness, tingling, or slow-healing wounds, it’s important to bring in a podiatry expert.
That’s why Northwest Family Clinics partners with Twin Cities Foot & Ankle—a trusted local clinic specializing in diabetic foot care, wound treatment, orthotics, and surgical solutions when needed.
We work together to:
- Catch and treat foot problems early
- Monitor for signs of neuropathy and infection
- Recommend protective footwear
- Create personalized care plans for long-term foot health
Whether you're due for your annual diabetic foot exam or need care for a current concern, our teams provide seamless, coordinated support so nothing slips through the cracks.
When to Call Your Doctor
If you have diabetes, contact or schedule a visit with your provider right away if you notice:
- A sore or wound that isn’t healing
- Redness, warmth, or swelling in the foot
- Ingrown toenails, calluses, or corns
- Pain or loss of sensation in your feet
- Fungal infections or skin cracks
Even small symptoms can signal a larger issue—don’t wait to get them checked out.
Stay a Step Ahead
Taking care of your feet is an everyday habit—and it’s one of the most important things you can do for your long-term health with diabetes.
If you’re due for a foot checkup or have questions about your care, the team at Northwest Family Clinics is here for you. And if you need expert foot care, we’ll help connect you with the trusted providers at Twin Cities Foot & Ankle.
Because whole-body health starts from the ground up.