Good foot care if of vital importance to every diabetic. A foot injury can lead to infection, gangrene, or worst of all, amputation or death. There are lots of common sense ways to protect your feet and to make sure they are in the best condition possible. Here are a few suggestions:

1. Never wear open toed sandals or flip flops. Sure, they are cute and look comfortable, but they are not a good idea for the diabetic. These shoes offer no protection from curbs, table legs, sharp objects, or other people's feet stomping on yours! Wearing these types of shoes leaves you wide open to the possibility of injury. Diabetics are prone to infection, and an infected, stubbed toe can lead to severe complications. Protect your feet by wearing shoes that cover your toes.

2. Wear comfortable shoes that fit well. Shoes that have good insoles, strong but flexible outer soles and are made of breathable leather are preferable to those composed of man-made materials. You will need to make sure that the shoes support your feet and don't have any pressure points that could cause blisters. If you do develop a blister, do not puncture it! Call your doctor or nurse to ask how to treat it. To be sure you are wearing the best possible shoe for you, you may wish to check into the companies that custom-make shoes for the diabetic.

3. Never go bare foot! If you simply can't stand to wear regular shoes inside the house, invest in a pair of comfortable, closed-toe slippers. Don't even step outside to get the newspaper without shoes. If you are going to the beach or for a swim in the lake, make sure you have some sort of comfortable tennis or beach shoes to wear. Remember, all it takes is one cut or puncture to cause a serious infection for a diabetic.

4. Wash your feet every day in warm water with a mild soap. Dry with a soft towel, and make sure to dry between the toes. Carefully examine every inch of your feet -- look for blisters, cracks, cuts or bruises. If the skin is dry or flaky, use a good, super-fatted lotion. Never apply the lotion between your toes.

5. Examine your feet every day. Use a mirror if necessary so that you can check the soles of your feet. If you suffer from any degree of nerve damage, you may not be aware that you have injured your feet -- this is one good reason why it is important to check your feet on a regular basis.

6. When clipping your toenails, be sure to cut straight across, and not too close to the toe. You may wish to gently file the nails with an emery board. If you develop an ingrown toenail, you will need to see your doctor.

7. Good quality cotton socks are your best bet. Make sure they fit well, don't bind or cut around your leg, and don't bunch up inside your shoes. There is even a brand of ‘diabetic socks' on the market you might wish to try.

Remember, if your feet or toes are injured in any way, see your doctor for immediate treatment. He or she can also give you more ideas on how to properly care for your feet, and the American Diabetes Association has some excellent literature on diabetic foot care: check out their web site if you get a chance.