Article 4 Diabetes
Because damage to the nerves and blood supply to your feet happens gradually, it’s important to
know what to look for and how to spot the signs of any change.
By checking your feet regularly you can spot the signs of any damage early. This means that you
can get help quickly and can prevent the damage from getting any worse.
As well as the symptoms which you might spot yourself, your health professional will also
be testing for changes to your feet. When you go to your annual diabetes review I
will look for changes to the nerves of the feet and the blood supply . I will also check the shape and
condition of your feet,and advise on footwear.
There are a number of different things for you to look out for. These are the main ones:
Changes to nerves /Changes to blood supply
Tingling or pins and needles /Cramp in your calves
Numbness /Shiny, smooth skin
Pain Losing hair on your feet and legs
Sweating less Thickened toenails
Feet may look red and feel hot to the touch Cold, pale feet
Changes in the shape of your feet Change in the colour of the skin on your feet
Hard skin Wounds or sores
Losing sense of the position of your feet and legs Pain in your feet
