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Foot Disease and Diabetes

Diabetes And Foot Health

Prevention, Podiatry and Protecting Foot Health Long‑Term

Foot problems are a common health concern for people living with diabetes, yet many are preventable with early action and the right support. Foot disease is an umbrella term that includes nerve changes, circulation issues, skin breakdown and infection — all of which can develop quietly if not identified early.

For people living with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, understanding how diabetes affects the feet is an important part of staying well and maintaining independence over time.

Why diabetes can affect the feet

Diabetes can affect the body in several ways that increase the risk of foot problems. Nerve changes may reduce sensation, making it harder to feel pain, heat or pressure. Circulation may also be affected, which can slow healing and increase the risk of infection.

When these factors occur together, even a small cut, blister or area of rubbing can become more serious if it goes unnoticed. This is why prevention and regular monitoring are central to good foot health.

Importantly, foot disease is not inevitable. With appropriate care and support, most people can significantly reduce their risk.

Prevention starts with daily awareness

Daily foot care is a cornerstone of prevention. This doesn’t need to be complicated, but it does need to be consistent.

Helpful habits include:

  • Checking feet daily for cuts, redness, swelling or changes in skin colour

  • Looking between toes and under the soles, using a mirror if needed

  • Keeping skin clean and well moisturised, avoiding moisturiser between toes

  • Wearing well‑fitting shoes and clean socks

  • Avoiding walking barefoot, even indoors

Early action matters. If something doesn’t look right, getting it checked promptly can prevent more serious health consequences.

Glucose monitoring and foot health

Supporting foot health isn’t just about what happens at the feet. Whole of body diabetes management plays an important role.

Spending more time with glucose levels in range supports nerve health and circulation over the long term. Monitoring patterns using blood glucose test strips helps people and their health professionals assess what’s working and where adjustments may help.

A GP or Credentialled Diabetes Educator can work with people to interpret glucose patterns and tailor diabetes self‑management in a way that is realistic, safe and sustainable.

The role of podiatrists in diabetes care

A podiatrist is a key member of the multidisciplinary diabetes care team and plays a central role in preventing foot disease.

Podiatrists provide:

  • Comprehensive foot risk assessments

  • Checks of circulation and sensation

  • Identification of pressure points or changes in foot shape

  • Nail care and skin management

  • Early treatment of minor issues to prevent escalation

For people at higher risk, regular podiatry reviews can significantly reduce the likelihood of ulcers and infection. Podiatrists also provide advice on footwear and orthotics to reduce pressure and improve comfort.

Seeing a podiatrist regularly is recommended even when feet feel “fine”, as many changes occur gradually and without pain.

Food, movement and circulation

There is no single diabetic meal plan that suits everyone. Working with a dietitian allows people to develop eating patterns that support glucose levels being mostly in target range, while fitting cultural preferences, budgets and daily life.

Nutrition that supports stable glucose patterns also supports nerve and blood vessel health, which has a flow‑on effect for the feet.

Movement is another important piece of the puzzle. Regular activity helps improve circulation, including to the lower limbs. An exercise physiologist can help people choose safe activities that build strength, confidence and mobility, especially for those with existing foot concerns.

Is diabetes hereditary?

A common question is is diabetes hereditary. Genetics can influence the likelihood of developing diabetes, particularly type 2 diabetes, but they do not determine outcomes on their own.

Access to education, early diagnosis, supportive care and ongoing monitoring all make a meaningful difference to long‑term health — including foot health. Diabetes self‑management education helps people understand risk factors and take practical steps that suit their individual circumstances.

Learning from Australian research

Australian research organisations such as the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute consistently emphasise the importance of early intervention, person‑centred care and coordinated health teams in reducing serious health consequences associated with diabetes.

This approach reinforces that foot health is not an “add‑on” to diabetes care — it is a fundamental component of staying well.

Support makes a difference

Managing diabetes is not about doing everything alone or striving for perfection. A supportive care team commonly includes:

  • GP

  • Credentialled Diabetes Educator

  • Podiatrist

  • Dietitian

  • Exercise physiologist

Together, this team can help people develop realistic strategies that support glucose levels being mostly within target range and reduce the risk of foot problems over time.

How Westfund members can access support

Westfund members may have access to a range of products and services* that support diabetes management and foot health, including:

  • Extras cover that can help with podiatry consultations

  • Benefits for allied health providers such as dietitians and exercise physiologists

  • Health and wellbeing programs that support diabetes self‑management education

  • Preventive care options that encourage early identification and support

Using these benefits can help Westfund members take proactive steps to protect their feet, support overall health and maintain quality of life.

The information provided is general in nature and does not replace professional medical advice.

*Annual limits, waiting periods and eligibility criteria apply. Benefits and programs are subject to your level of cover. Please refer to your Policy Summary or check your Extras limits via Members Online or the Westfund app for full details.

References

National Guidelines & Authoritative Bodies

  1. Diabetes Feet Australia
    Australian Evidence‑Based Guidelines for Diabetes‑Related Foot Disease (2021; endorsed national standard)

  2. Medical Journal of Australia (MJA)
    New Australian guidelines for diabetes‑related foot disease (Howells et al., 2023)

  3. National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS)
    Diabetes and Feet: A Practical Toolkit for Health Professionals (2022)

  4. Australian Diabetes Society (ADS)
    Diabetes and Feet – Clinical Guidelines & Toolkit (2022)

Australian Research & Public Health Evidence

  1. Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute
    Prevention, Identification and Management of Foot Complications in Diabetes

  2. Diabetes Australia
    Best Practice Guidelines – Prevention of Diabetes‑Related Foot Disease

  3. Interrater and intrarater reliability of photoplethysmography for measuring toe blood pressure and toe-brachial index in people with diabetes mellitus - PubMed

 

Recent International Scientific Papers

  1. IWGDF Practical Guidelines (2023 Update)
    Schaper et al.,     Diabetes/Metabolism Research and Reviews

  2. Holman et al., 2024
    Mortality rates in people presenting with a new diabetes‑related foot ulcer
    Diabetologia (UK)