Excessive pressure or trauma may cause a small opening in the skin of a diabetic known as an ulcer. This may be complicated by poor circulation or neuropathy. Bacterial growth in an ulcer may create a long lasting infection that can lead to problems with the bone.

Diabetes is one of several factors that may contribute to premature hardening of the arteries. Diabetics are prone to narrowing of the arteries in the lower extremities. Signs of poor circulation are pains in the calves while walking, loss of hair growth on the toes, or the toenails becoming irregular. Your podiatrist can help diagnose these conditions

People with diabetes mellitus may develop neuropathy – loss or dulling of the senses of the feet. People with neuropathy have difficulty sensing hot and cold, sharp and dull. A neuropathic person can walk with a sharp object in his foot unnoticed until it sets up an infectious situation. A hot bath or hot water bottle on the feet also can cause serious burns for a person with neuropathy.

Avoid walking barefoot to prevent cuts and injuries that may occur.

Don’t expose your feet to excessive heat such as hot water bottles, hot water and hot sun (as in sunburn).

Stay away from home remedies you can buy without a prescription. For example, corn removing medications may contain acid and this destroys tissue, causing an ulcer. Keep your nails trimmed straight across and don’t dig into the corners of your toenails. The best time to cut them is after bathing, when the nails are soft.

Wear shoes that fit comfortably at the widest part of your foot. Break in new shoes over a period of time, not all at once.

Get a foot examination periodically by a podiatric physician.

Exercise regularly. Walking is one of the best forms of exercise for most diabetics. Check with your family doctor and podiatric physician to make sure walking is right for you.