November is National Diabetes Month, a time the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) uses to focus attention on preventing diabetes-related health problems. Most conversations about diabetes center on blood sugar, food and medicine. Feet come up less often, even though federal health agencies describe foot problems as common in people with diabetes. This article explains why, in general terms, and suggests questions to bring to your own care team.
Why diabetes and feet are connected
According to the CDC, about half of people with diabetes have some kind of nerve damage, and the nerves in the feet and legs are most often affected. Nerve damage can reduce the ability to feel pain, heat or cold. That matters because pain is often how people notice a blister, cut or sore in the first place.
NIDDK also notes that diabetes can lower blood flow to the feet, which can make it harder for a sore or infection to heal. Both agencies say that small foot problems can become serious when they are not noticed and cared for early. The encouraging part of that message, in the CDC's words, is that most people with diabetes can prevent serious foot complications with regular care at home and by keeping their appointments.
What public-health agencies emphasize
The CDC and NIDDK both describe looking at your feet every day, including between the toes, as a way to catch changes early. They suggest using a mirror or asking a family member to help if it is hard to see the bottom of your feet. Both also mention wearing shoes and socks rather than going barefoot, and choosing shoes that fit well.
These are general awareness points from public sources, not a personal care plan. NIDDK recommends working with your health care team on a diabetes self-care plan that includes foot care, and notes that a podiatrist, also called a foot doctor, may be part of that team. Your team can tell you what applies to you.
Questions to bring to your next visit
NIDDK suggests asking your health care team to check your feet at each visit, and mentions that taking off your shoes and socks in the exam room can serve as a reminder. Questions you might ask include: “How often should my feet be examined?” “What changes in my feet should I call about?” and “Would it help to see a podiatrist?”
If cost, transportation or getting to appointments is a challenge, that is worth raising too. NIDDK notes that a social worker or a member of your care team may be able to help you find community resources.
When not to wait
Both agencies list foot changes that are a reason to contact a health care provider promptly rather than waiting for a routine visit, such as a cut, blister or sore that does not start to heal, or skin that becomes red, warm or painful. If you notice a change and are unsure what it means, the safest step is to call your own provider. This article cannot assess symptoms.
At Acro Health, foot health is one part of our broader preventive-health mission. Our nonprofit podiatry clinic, Acro Health Texas, is at 4435 De Zavala Rd in San Antonio. To ask about an appointment, call the office at (210) 497-4642.
Sources and editorial note
Source links checked November 9, 2026 (CST). This is an editorial source check, not clinical review. Public-health resources may change; source recommendations are not a substitute for individualized care.