Foot care for diabetes during the rains

Diabetes can dull sensation in the feet, which means a small cut or a soaked shoe can turn into an infection before it is noticed. The monsoon makes both more likely.

Check daily

Look at the soles, between the toes, and around the nails once a day, in good light. Use a mirror if bending is difficult.

Keep them dry

Change out of wet socks as soon as you can. Dry thoroughly between the toes — fungal infection starts there more often than anywhere else.

Footwear

Closed, well-fitting shoes protect better than sandals in dirty water. Shake them out before wearing.

When to get help

Any wound that has not started healing within a couple of days, any redness spreading from a cut, or any new numbness needs a doctor rather than a wait-and-see.