Be meticulous with your foot care.
Diabetes can cause neuropathy, or nerve damage, in the extremities — usually starting in the feet, so good foot care is critical. The key words are
clean and
dry. Wash your feet daily in warm water, and dry with a clean, soft towel. Do not soak your feet or use hot water. If you have nerve damage, due to the lack of sensation in your feet you may not notice sores, blisters, calluses, swelling, bruising, or breaks in the skin — so you'll need to be meticulous about inspecting your feet every day. Also, talk to your doctor right away about how to treat any problems. Don't walk barefoot — always wear shoes or slippers — and wear clean, soft socks with your shoes. Talk with your podiatrist about other ways to keep your feet safe.