Diabetes is a disease that affects how your body uses sugar (glucose). It’s very common and can cause problems in many parts of the body.
One area that often suffers—but is sometimes overlooked—is the feet.
Many people with diabetes develop foot problems, and understanding why can help stop small issues from becoming serious ones.
When someone has diabetes, their blood sugar levels can stay high for long periods. Over time, this high sugar level can harm both the blood vessels and the nerves in the body. The feet are especially vulnerable because they are far from the heart and more likely to be affected by poor blood flow and nerve damage.
One big problem is poor circulation. High blood sugar can cause blood vessels to become narrow and hard. This condition is called atherosclerosis.
When blood vessels shrink, blood cannot flow as easily to parts of the body—especially the feet. If there isn’t enough blood getting to the feet, cuts, scrapes, or blisters won’t heal quickly. This makes infections more likely and more dangerous.
Another major issue is nerve damage, also called neuropathy. Diabetes can damage the nerves, especially in the hands and feet. When the nerves in your feet are damaged, you might not feel pain, heat, or cold properly.
That means if you step on something sharp, get a blister from tight shoes, or develop a sore spot, you might not notice it right away. Because there’s no pain to alert you, these injuries can go untreated and get worse.
Infections are especially dangerous for people with diabetes. High sugar levels in the blood make it harder for the body to fight off infections. If you get a cut or sore on your foot and it gets infected, your body may struggle to heal it.
Poor blood flow also means fewer immune cells reach the injured area. This combination of slow healing and weak defense makes it easier for infections to spread and harder to treat them.
Some people with diabetes also develop changes in the shape of their feet or the way they walk. Nerve damage can cause certain foot muscles to weaken, leading to foot deformities.
These changes put pressure on unusual areas of the foot, causing calluses, corns, or ulcers. Diabetic skin can also become dry and crack because the nerves that control moisture are damaged. Cracked skin allows germs to enter, which increases the risk of infection.
That’s why foot care is a key part of managing diabetes. People with diabetes should check their feet every day to look for cuts, blisters, or redness. Seeing a podiatrist (a foot doctor) regularly can help catch problems early. Wearing comfortable, protective shoes is also important to avoid injuries.
Health experts also recommend that people with diabetes take good care of their blood sugar levels, eat a balanced diet, and stay active. These steps help protect the blood vessels and nerves. Education programs have shown that people who learn how to care for their feet are less likely to get foot ulcers or need amputations.
In short, diabetes can cause serious foot problems—but most of these problems can be avoided. By keeping blood sugar under control and paying close attention to foot health, people with diabetes can prevent many complications and enjoy a better quality of life.
If you care about diabetes, please read studies about New diabetes drug could control blood sugar and body weight better and findings of Common diabetes drugs linked to increased heart risk.
For more about diabetes, please read studies about Why diabetes drug metformin can help increase longevity and findings of This drug could manage type 2 diabetes for a long time.
Copyright © 2025 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
