Daily Foot Care and Diabetes Management: A Self-Care Essential
July 24 marks International Self-Care Day, a reminder that small daily habits can help make a difference in your health. If you’re living with diabetes, self-care isn’t just important — it’s essential.
You probably already know how crucial it is to monitor your blood sugar, eat well, and take your medications. But one area of self-care often goes unnoticed until it becomes a serious problem: your feet.
That’s right — foot care is part of diabetes management. Diabetes is the leading cause of non-traumatic lower limb amputation in Canadian adults. Canadian adults with diabetes are 20 times more likely to undergo non-traumatic lower limb amputation than non-diabetics (source); 85 percent of which are preceded by a foot ulcer. Many foot complications are preventable (source) with simple, consistent care, and your pharmacist can help every step of the way.
What Is Self-Care in Diabetes Management?
Diabetes self-care includes daily actions you can take (source) to help you manage your health and avoid complications. Together, these habits may help you manage your condition:
Checking your blood sugar regularly
Taking medications as prescribed
Eating a balanced diet
Staying physically active
Caring for your skin and feet
Why Foot Care Deserves Daily Attention
Diabetes can affect the feet in ways that are easy to miss—until they become serious. Complications can include (source)
Loss of Sensation from nerve damage (diabetic neuropathy), which makes it harder to notice cuts, blisters, or pressure spots
Poor circulation, which slows healing and increases infection risk
Higher likelihood of infection, especially when injuries go unnoticed
About 1 in 5 people with diabetes who go to the hospital do so for foot problems (source). That’s why prevention matters — a few minutes of care each day can help stop small issues from turning into major problems.
Your Daily Foot Care Checklist
Caring for your feet (source) doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s a simple routine you can follow:
- Inspect your feet
Look for cuts, blisters, swelling, redness, or sores. Use a mirror or ask for help if you can’t see the bottoms of your feet easily.
- Wash and dry your feet
Use warm (not hot) water and mild soap. Dry gently, especially between your toes.
- Moisturize — but not between the toes
Keep skin hydrated to avoid cracking, but skip the areas between your toes where excess moisture could lead to fungal infections.
- Trim toenails carefully
Cut straight across and file sharp edges to avoid ingrown nails. If you have trouble, ask a healthcare provider or foot care nurse.
- Check inside your shoes
Make sure there are no small objects, rough seams, or debris that could cause irritation.
Signs of Foot Problems: When to See a Healthcare Provider
Foot issues can escalate quickly. Don’t ignore these warning signs (source) — contact your pharmacist or healthcare provider if you notice:
A sore that isn’t healing
Redness, warmth, or swelling
Skin discolouration (blue, purple, or very pale)
New numbness or tingling
Cold or painful feet or toes
Even small concerns are worth checking out early. When in doubt, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider.
How Pharmacists Support Diabetes Self-Care
Think pharmacists just fill prescriptions? Think again. Your pharmacist can be a key part of your care team, especially when it comes to managing chronic conditions like diabetes.
At 360 Health Pharmacy, our pharmacists can:
Review and help optimize your diabetes medications
Recommend foot care products like moisturizers, shoe inserts, or compression socks
Provide guidance on blood sugar monitoring tools
Help identify early signs of foot issues
Refer you to a doctor, nurse practitioner, or foot care specialist if needed
We also offer Medication Reviews to help ensure your treatment plan is working well and fits your lifestyle.
A Footnote: Your Feet, Your Future
Self-care isn’t just about bubble baths and downtime — it’s about empowering yourself to live a healthy, independent lifestyle. For people with diabetes, it starts from the ground up.
This International Self-Care Day, take a moment to show your feet some love. Build a simple daily routine, stay alert for changes, and check with your pharmacist if you have questions.
Your future self will thank you, one confident, self-caring step at a time.
