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1. Take care of your diabetes.

• Work with your health care team to keep your blood sugar within a good range.

• Look at your bare feet every day for cuts, blisters, red spots, and swelling.
• Use a mirror to check the bottoms of your feet or ask a family member for help if you have trouble seeing.

• Wash your feet in warm, not hot, water every day.
• Dry your feet well. Be sure to dry between the toes.

• Rub a thin coat of skin lotion over the tops and bottoms of your feet, but not between your toes.

• Use a pumice stone to smooth corns and calluses.

• Trim your toenails straight across and file the edges with an emery board or nail file.

• Never walk barefoot.
• Wear comfortable shoes that fit well and protect your feet.
• Feel inside your shoes before putting them on each time to make sure the lining is smooth and there are no objects inside.

• Wear shoes at the beach or on hot pavement.
• Wear socks at night if your feet get cold.

• Put your feet up when sitting.
• Wiggle your toes and move your ankles up and down for 5 minutes, 2 or 3 times a day.
• Don't cross your legs for long periods of time.
• Don't smoke.

• Plan your physical activity program with your doctor.

• Have your doctor check your bare feet and find out whether you are likely to have serious foot problems. Remember that you may not feel the pain of an injury.
• Call your doctor right away if a cut, sore, blister, or bruise on your foot does not begin to heal after one day.
• Follow your doctor's advice about foot care.

• Begin taking good care of your feet today.
• Set a time every day to check your feet.
• Complete the "To Do" list and ...

take care of your feet for a lifetime.

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