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The connection between foot health and diabetes is often underestimated, yet it plays a significant role in overall wellbeing. For people living with diabetes, looking after their feet is an important part of preventing complications and maintaining an active, independent lifestyle. Diabetes can affect many systems within the body, including the nerves and blood vessels that support healthy feet. Over time, elevated blood glucose levels may lead to reduced circulation and nerve damage, increasing the risk of foot-related problems. Understanding how diabetes affects the feet can help individuals take proactive steps to protect their long-term health. This is important to detect problems early and to prevent ulcers and other complications. Read more insights here. How Diabetes Can Affect Your Feet One of the most common complications associated with diabetes is peripheral neuropathy. This condition occurs when high blood sugar levels damage the nerves, often causing numbness, tingling, or reduced sensation in the feet. When feeling is reduced, cuts, blisters, and other injuries may go unnoticed. Without early treatment, minor issues can develop into more serious concerns that require professional care. Circulation can also be affected by diabetes. Reduced blood flow means wounds may heal more slowly, increasing the risk of infection and other complications. This is why understanding the relationship between foot health and diabetes is so important. Common Foot Problems Linked to Diabetes People living with diabetes may be more vulnerable to a range of foot conditions. Dry skin, cracked heels, fungal infections, corns, calluses, and ingrown toenails are all common concerns. Foot ulcers are among the more serious complications that can develop. These wounds often occur when pressure, friction, or injury goes unnoticed and healing is delayed. If left untreated, ulcers can lead to infection and more complex health issues.

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Heel fissures occur when the skin around the heel becomes too dry and thick to stretch properly, causing it to split. Although common, they can become painful without the right treatment. Here’s what contributes to them and how you can manage the condition safely. Common Triggers for Heel Fissures Dryness and reduced skin flexibility: Some people naturally produce less moisture in their skin, while others become dehydrated due to weather, lifestyle or ageing. Dry, rigid skin can’t absorb pressure well and is more likely to crack. Footwear choices: Open-backed shoes: like slides, thongs, sandals and even being barefoot force the heel to expand sideways when walking. These forces, combined with warm weather and long hours on your feet, can lead to callus build-up and cracking. Inherited traits: A tendency toward drier, harder skin is often genetic, making certain individuals more vulnerable to fissures. Hormonal factors: Changes in hormones can disrupt the skin’s natural moisture-retaining abilities, increasing roughness.

Summer is the season when foot issues tend to flare. With hot days, increased sweating and more time spent in open, unsupportive footwear, it’s no surprise that blisters, cracked heels and fungal infections become more common. The good news? Most warm-weather foot problems can be prevented with a few proactive steps. The Most Common Summer Foot Conditions Blisters Sweaty skin rubbing against sandals or unlined shoes leads to irritation and fluid-filled blisters. Even short walks can cause them when friction is high. Fungal infections (tinea + fungal nails) Fungi thrive in warm, moist environments, meaning sweaty shoes, pool areas and public change rooms become hotspots in summer. Cracked heels Exposure to air and heat causes the skin to lose moisture quickly. Open-back shoes like thongs and slides also encourage friction and pressure buildup, making the heels hard and prone to splitting. Foot odour Closed shoes + summer sweat = trapped moisture, which causes odour and increases the risk of infection.

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Visit our Newcastle Podiatrist Clinic for expert foot care, orthotics, injury rehab, and general podiatry services for all ages. Book your first appointment today.

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