Diabetic foot sounds distant, yet it is a "hidden time bomb" for many people with diabetes.

Once it occurs, treatment is difficult, costly, and can even carry the risk of amputation.

Who are the high-risk groups? How exactly should prevention be done? Explaining it clearly today!

These 6 types of people with diabetes need to be especially vigilant about diabetic foot!

1️⃣ People with long-term uncontrolled blood glucose

Blood glucose is like a "corrosive"; long-term elevation will quietly damage nerves and blood vessels.

If glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) remains > 7.5%, the risk is significantly increased.

2️⃣ Diabetes duration over 10 years

The longer the disease duration, the greater the cumulative neural and vascular damage.

⏳ Especially diabetic patients over 60 years old, whose foot sensation and repair capacity decline and require special attention.

3️⃣ Symptoms of neuropathy have already appeared

⚠️ If you frequently experience these sensations, it indicates nerve damage:

Numbness in the feet, a crawling/tingling sensation, burning pain

Reduced sensitivity to temperature and pain

Dry, non-sweating feet that easily crack

4️⃣ Poor vascular condition of the lower limbs

Leg pain after walking a short distance (intermittent claudication)

Cold feet, skin pale or cyanotic

Dorsalis pedis arterial pulsation weakened or even not palpable

5️⃣ Foot already has deformities or calluses

Hallux valgus, hammer toes

Thick calluses or corns on the sole

Thickened toenails, ingrown toenails

6️⃣ History of prior foot ulcers or amputations

⚠️ This is the most important warning sign! The risk of recurrence is extremely high.

️ To prevent foot disease, remember the "three-step core rule"

✅ Step 1: Daily foot self-exam (5-minute habit)

Every night before bed, in bright light:

Look: for any breaks, blisters, redness/swelling, maceration between toes

Feel: whether the dorsalis pedis artery is pulsating, whether the skin is too cold/too hot

Sensation: presence of numbness or tingling

If you can't see clearly, you can use a mirror to look at the soles of your feet, or ask a family member to help.

✅ Step 2: Scientific foot care (details determine success)

Foot washing: water temperature ≤ 37°C (test with your elbow, not your foot!), duration < 10 minutes, gently pat dry (especially between the toes)

Skin care: Apply moisturizer daily (avoid between toes) to prevent cracking

Toenail trimming: Cut straight across, do not cut too short, smooth edges with a file

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Shoes and socks:

Shoes: Loose and breathable; buy shoes in the afternoon (when feet are slightly swollen); check inside shoes for foreign objects before wearing Socks: Choose light-colored, seamless, breathable cotton socks; change daily

✅ Step 3: Avoid "foot-harming behaviors"

❌ Do not walk barefoot (not indoors or outdoors!)

❌ Do not use hot water bottles or electric heating pads to warm your feet

❌ Do not treat corns or calluses yourself

❌ Do not sit with your legs crossed for long periods

If any of these occur, seek medical attention immediately!

Any break in the skin on the foot, even if very small

Localized redness, swelling, warmth, or pain

Sudden worsening of foot odor

Soles feel like walking on cotton when walking

Summary: "Golden sayings" for preventing diabetic foot

"Blood sugar control is fundamental, examinations are crucial, foot care is a habit, and seek medical attention immediately if injured."

Prevention is far simpler than treatment; spending 5 minutes each day to check your feet is the best protection you can give yourself.

Your feet need care more than you think.

Share with diabetic friends around you and remind them to do a foot check for themselves tonight!

This article is for general health education; if you have specific symptoms, please promptly consult the endocrinology department or a foot disease specialty clinic.