Diabetic foot care: the daily five minutes that prevent surgery
By Dr. Prasanna Garapati — Consultant Podiatrist
The single biggest reason diabetic patients end up in our clinic with serious foot complications is missed early signals. A small cut, a numb spot, a colour change — things that would prompt anyone else to pause are easy to overlook when you have neuropathy.
Five minutes a day is the routine that works. Inspect both feet — top, bottom, between toes — under good light. Use a mirror or ask a family member if you can't see the soles easily. Look for cuts, blisters, redness, warmth, or any change in shape.
Keep your feet clean and dry, but never soak them. Moisturise the tops and bottoms, never between the toes. Wear shoes that fit well — and never walk barefoot, not even at home.
If you spot anything unusual that doesn't improve within 24 hours, book a podiatry consultation. Most diabetic foot complications are completely preventable if caught early; almost none are when they're caught late.
A note from your reviewer
Daily foot care is preventive — it doesn't replace your regular endocrinology and podiatry reviews. If you have an active wound, please book the same day.