Version 1.0.0, 1 June 2026. 003031-NDSS_W Key facts Diabetes can damage nerves and blood vessels in the feet which increases the risk of diabetes-related foot problems. Diabetes-related foot problems such as ulcers and infections can become serious if not treated. Knowing your foot risk and when to see your health professional is important for managing your foot health. Daily footcare routines and regular foot checks by your doctor help reduce the risk of diabetes-related foot problems. Managing your diabetes and following a healthy lifestyle help reduce your risk of foot problems. Related pages Diabetes health checks Blood glucose monitoring Heart health and diabetes Healthy eating Physical activity Medicines for diabetes Find a health service Find a health professional or pharmacy in your area. On this page How diabetes affects your feet Types of diabetes-related foot problems Have regular foot checks to find problems early Look after your feet every day Manage your diabetes to reduce risk When to see your health professional What this means for you More information and support How diabetes affects your feet Diabetes increases the risk of diabetes-related foot problems, such as ulcers (open sores that do not heal). This is because high blood glucose levels can: damage the nerves in your feet, which can cause a loss of sensation (feeling) in them damage and narrow the walls of your blood vessels, which can reduce the amount of blood flow to your feet. Reduced blood flow or loss of feeling in your feet may mean injuries or ulcers go unnoticed and heal slower. If left untreated, this can lead to serious problems such as infection and even amputation (loss of limb). Types of diabetes-related foot problems Dry skin: Can be caused by reduced blood flow or nerve damage in your feet. Cracked heels: Dry skin can cause your heels to crack, which can become infected. Thickened toenails: There are many causes of thickened toenails, including getting older, other health conditions, injury, or fungal infections. Numbness, burning, or pain: Caused by damage to the nerves in your feet. Always wear protective footwear. Your podiatrist can help. Tingling, muscle cramps, or scaly cold skin: Caused by damaged blood vessels in your feet and legs. Regular physical activity helps with blood flow. Make sure socks and stockings are not too tight. Infections: Higher blood glucose levels, poor circulation and nerve damage can increase your risk for infections and slow healing. If you notice signs of infection, see your doctor straight away. Moisturising your feet, including your heels and toenails, can help reduce dry skin, cracked heels and thickened toenails. Have regular foot checks to find problems early Regular foot checks are an important part of your annual diabetes health checks, and help find problems early when they are easier to manage. Your GP can check your feet or refer you to a podiatrist (footcare specialist) to have the check. How often you have your feet checked will depend on your foot risk. Your foot risk is how likely you are to have a diabetes-related foot problem, such as an ulcer. When you have your foot check, your GP or podiatrist will check your nerves, blood supply, and the general health of your feet. They can also tell you what your foot risk is. Levels of foot risk Very low foot risk No nerve damage or loss of blood flow to your feet. When to have a foot check: at least once a year. Low foot risk Some reduced feeling or blood flow to your feet. No change in skin or shape of your feet. When to have a foot check: every 6 to 12 months. Moderate foot risk Any combination of: reduced feeling reduced blood flow change in shape or colour of your feet. When to have a foot check: every 3 to 6 months. High foot risk Reduced feeling or blood flow to your feet. History of foot ulcer, amputation (loss of limb) or kidney disease. When to have a foot check: every 1 to 3 months. Check your foot risk Find out what your foot risk may be and what to do next with the online Foot Health Check quiz. Look after your feet every day Looking after your feet with a daily footcare routine is key to lowering your risk of diabetes-related foot problems. Check your feet daily for damage Check all areas of your feet including the soles and between the toes. Look for ulcers, cuts, redness, swelling or changes in colour. If you have trouble seeing your feet, use a mirror, or ask a family member or carer for help. Take care of your feet Wash your feet every day and dry all areas and in between the toes. Moisturise your feet, but not between your toes. Cut nails straight across and gently file any sharp edges. Wear shoes that fit well and do not rub. Always wear socks with your footwear to avoid blisters. When to get urgent medical help Contact your health professional urgently (even if a foot injury seems minor) when there is: any sign of infection, such as discharge, continuing heat, or pain in your feet skin breakdown such as an ulcer, bleeding or deeply cracked skin new pain, swelling, change in temperature, or redness. Do not wait until your next regular foot check-up. These can become serious problems very quickly and need urgent medical attention. Manage diabetes to reduce your risk Managing your diabetes by following a healthy lifestyle can help reduce the risk of diabetes-related foot problems. Manage blood glucose levels with regular physical activity, healthy eating, and taking any glucose-lowering medicines or insulin you have been prescribed. Be active on most days of the week and limit the amount of time you spend sitting to help manage your blood glucose levels and weight. Some activities may increase your foot risk, so talk to your doctor before you start any new exercise. Eat healthy balanced meals and snacks from the five food groups to help you manage your blood glucose levels, weight, blood pressure and blood fats. Maintain a healthy weight: If you are carrying extra weight, losing even a small amount (5-7% of your body weight) can help reduce the risk of foot problems. You can ask your doctor for a referral to an exercise physiologist to help you make an exercise plan. Take prescribed medicines: Your doctor may prescribe blood pressure or cholesterol-lowering medicine (such as a statin). These medicines can help lower your risk diabetes-related foot problems. Don’t smoke: Smoking increases your risk for diabetes-related foot problems. Call Quitline 13 7848 for support to give up smoking. Make a plan with your health professional to look after your feet Use this NDSS Diabetes and your feet resource to help you and your health professional make a plan to look after your feet based on your foot risk. When to see your health professional Make an appointment to see your doctor or diabetes health professional if: you have questions about how to look after your feet you are worried about your feet you are due for a foot check. What this means for you Diabetes can increase your risk of diabetes-related foot problems, but there are things you can do to reduce this risk. Know your foot risk, check your feet daily, have regular diabetes health checks and look after your diabetes to help protect your feet. More information and support Call the NDSS Helpline on 1800 637 700 to ask to speak to a health professional. Visit the FootForward website for more information, services and resources on foot health. Find NDSS programs and services in your area or online. Disclaimer This information is intended as a guide only. It should not replace individual medical advice and if you have any concerns about your health or further questions, you should contact your health professional. Sources 2023 IWGDF Guidelines on the prevention and management of diabetes-related foot disease, accessed January 2026. Diabetes Feet Australia, About Feet, accessed January 2026.
