Last month, Maria noticed a small blister on her dad's heel. "It's nothing," he insisted, waving her off.
Two weeks later, that "nothing" had become an infected wound requiring antibiotics and daily nursing visits. Maria wishes she'd known then what she knows now: when you're living with diabetes, a five-minute daily foot check isn't just another task. It's one of the most powerful prevention tools you have.
If your parent is living with diabetes, understanding foot care isn't about fear. It's about staying ahead of problems while they're still small and manageable.
Medical Disclaimer:This article provides general information about diabetic foot care, not medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider about your specific situation.
Why Foot Care Matters When You're Living with Diabetes
Almost1 in 10 Canadian adultsaged 20 to 79 are living with diabetes. That number climbs to nearly one in five for Canadian seniors aged 60 to 79. If your parent is among them, their feet need special attention for two important reasons.
First,high blood sugar levels can damage nerves(called neuropathy), reducing sensation in the feet. Your dad might not feel that pebble in his shoe or notice a blister forming. Second, diabetes can slow circulation, which means even minor cuts heal more slowly than they should.
The numbers sound sobering: Canadian adults with diabetes areover 20 times more likelyto have lower limb amputations compared to people without diabetes.85% of these amputationsare preceded by a foot ulcer. Foot complications are a leading cause of hospital admissions for people with diabetes.
But here's the important part that often gets buried:most diabetic foot complications are preventablewith daily attention and proper care. You don't need medical training or expensive equipment. You just need consistency and knowing what to look for.
The 5-Minute Daily Foot Check: Your Best Prevention Tool
Think of the daily foot check as your early warning system.Daily inspection allows for early detection, catching problems when they're still minor — not when they've turned into something requiring hospitalization.
Make it a habit by tying it to something you already do every day. After the evening shower works well for many families. Before bed is another natural time. The key is consistency, not perfection.
What to Look For
During each check, examine both feet completely:
- Cuts, scrapes, or breaks in the skin— even tiny ones matter
- Blisters or bubbles— whether filled with fluid or already broken
- Redness, warmth, or swelling— signs of inflammation or infection
- Dry, cracking, or peeling skin— especially around heels
- Changes in skin colour— unusual pale, red, blue, or dark areas
- Temperature differences— one foot feeling warmer or colder than the other
- Between and under toes— fungal infections love these hidden spots
- Toenail changes— thickness, colour, ingrown edges
When Mobility Makes Checking Difficult
If bending down is challenging, you have options. Place an unbreakable mirror on the floor and position your foot over it. Or use your smartphone camera — snap a photo of the bottom of each foot and zoom in to inspect.
Many Toronto families find that having apersonal support worker help with daily foot careremoves the physical strain while ensuring nothing gets missed.
When to Call Your Healthcare Provider
Call your healthcare provider if you notice:
- Any cut, blister, or wound that shows signs of infection or doesn't show improvement after a few days
- Increased redness, warmth, or swelling around any area
- Drainage or pus from any spot
- A fever alongside a foot problem
- Numbness or tingling that's new or worsening
For minor dry skin or small calluses, monitor them and mention them at the next scheduled appointment. When in doubt, make the call — that's what your healthcare team is there for.
Daily Foot Care Routine for People Living with Diabetes
Consistency beats perfection. You don't need a complicated routine — just a reliable one. Keep all your supplies in a basket or drawer so everything's in one place.
Washing
Wash feet dailywith lukewarm water and mild soap. Test the water temperature with your elbow first, not your hand or foot. If neuropathy has reduced sensation, what feels comfortable to your hand might be hot enough to burn your feet.
Keep baths short to avoid over-drying skin. Avoid prolonged soaking — your grandmother's advice about a good long soak isn't ideal for feet when you're living with diabetes. Extended water exposure can dry out skin and create tiny cracks where bacteria can enter.
Drying
Pat feet completely dry, paying special attention between the toes. Moisture trapped between toes creates a perfect environment for fungal infections.
Some families find that a hairdryer on the cool setting works well for hard-to-reach spots, especially if arthritis makes thorough towel-drying difficult.
Moisturizing
Apply a good moisturizing lotion or cream to the tops and bottoms of feet, butnot between the toes. Skin when you're living with diabetes tends toward dryness, which can lead to cracks that become entry points for infection. You don't necessarily need expensive specialty products.
If you notice any skin reactions or have concerns about products, check with your healthcare provider about which options are best for you.
Nail Care
Trim toenails straight acrossusing nail clippers (not scissors), and don't cut them too short. Imagine leaving a thin white line at the tip. This straight-across method helps prevent ingrown toenails.
If your parent has vision problems, limited mobility, or thick nails, skip the DIY approach.Professional foot carefrom a chiropodist who specializes in diabetic care is worth the investment. They have the proper tools and training to avoid complications.
What Products to Avoid
Never use:
- Heating pads, hot water bottles, or electric blanketson feet —these can cause serious burnsthat you might not feel
- Over-the-counter corn or callus removers—products containing salicylic acidcan damage skin and cause infections
- Sharp objectsto remove calluses at home
- Iodine, hydrogen peroxide, or alcoholon wounds without healthcare provider approval
When in doubt, ask your healthcare provider before trying any new foot care product.
The Right Footwear Makes All the Difference
Never go barefoot — not even at home.Always wear shoes, socks, or slippersto avoid injury and reduce infection risk. Toronto winters actually make this easier than in warmer climates, since we're already accustomed to keeping our feet covered.
Before putting on any shoes, shake them out and check inside with your hand. Pebbles, torn linings, or even a stray Lego piece from a grandchild's visit can cause damage you might not feel.
What Makes Shoes Diabetic-Friendly
Look for:
- Seamless interiors or flat, minimal seamsto reduce friction
- Soft, cushioned linings
- Adequate depth in the toe box (toes shouldn't feel cramped)
- Breathable materials
- Proper arch support
- Soles that provide good traction (important forfall preventiontoo)
New shoes should feel comfortable immediately. The "breaking in" period that's normal for other people isn't safe when you have diabetes. Friction creates blisters, and blisters can become ulcers.
If your parent has had any foot complications, custom orthotics or professionally fitted diabetic shoes might be recommended. While these aren't covered by OHIP, many extended health plans provide some coverage.
Sock Selection
Diabetic-friendly socksshould be:
- Seamless or have flat seams
- Moisture-wicking (keep feet dry)
- Made from breathable materials like cotton or bamboo blends
- Free from tight elastic bands that restrict circulation
- Changed daily (more often if feet get sweaty)
White or light-colored socks make it easier to spot any bleeding or drainage you might not otherwise notice.
7 Warning Signs to Never Ignore
Knowing thesewarning signsisn't about alarm — it's about catching problems early when treatment is easier.
1. Cuts or Wounds That Won't Heal
Any break in the skin that shows signs of infection or doesn't improve after a few days needs medical attention. With reduced circulation, what should be a minor cut can become a serious problem.
2. Increased Pain or Loss of Feeling
Both extremes matter. New pain could signal infection or injury. Reduced sensation means your foot's natural alarm system isn't working properly, making daily checks even more important.
3. Colour Changes
Unusual redness might indicate infection or inflammation. Pale, blue, or darkened skin can signal circulation problems. Any persistent colour change deserves a call to your healthcare provider.
4. Temperature Differences
One foot feeling significantly warmer than the other often indicates infection or inflammation. Coldness in one foot might mean circulation issues. Touch both feet during your daily check to compare.
5. Swelling
Puffiness in one foot or ankle, especially if it's accompanied by redness or warmth, needs prompt attention. Even swelling without other symptoms should be mentioned to your healthcare provider.
6. Ingrown Toenails
What's a minor annoyance for someone without diabetes can become a serious infection risk when you're living with the condition. Don't try bathroom surgery — see a chiropodist.
7. Thick Calluses or Corns
These can hide deeper tissue breakdown underneath. They also create pressure points that can lead to ulcers. A chiropodist can safely remove them and recommend padding to prevent recurrence.
For more guidance on recognizing problems early, our article onwarning signs your parent might need foot careoffers additional insights.
Toronto Resources for Diabetic Foot Care
You're not alone in managing diabetic foot care. Toronto offers several resources specifically for people living with diabetes.
Diabetes Education Programs
Toronto Diabetes Care Connectcan connect you to 17 community-based diabetes education programs across the region. All offer annual foot screenings, and some provide ongoing foot care services.
DECNET (Diabetes Education Community Network of East Toronto), located at South Riverdale Community Health Centre (955 Queen Street East), offers consultation and, for enrolled clients, referrals to chiropodists following foot assessment by program staff.
These programs teach proper foot self-care and help you understand your specific risk factors. Many offer group education sessions where you can connect with other Toronto families managing similar challenges.
Chiropodist and Podiatrist Care
An important note about costs:chiropodist services are not covered by OHIPin Ontario.OHIP provides limited coverage for podiatrists— between $7-16 per visit up to $135 per patient per year, plus $30 for x-rays.
However, people with diabetes benefit significantly from regular professional foot care, and many extended health plans provide coverage.Diabetes Canada's clinical guidelines recommendfoot examinations at least annually, and more frequently for people at higher risk.
The Salvation Army Toronto Grace Health Centre Chiropody Clinic has served downtown Toronto for over 25 years, specializing in care for older adults and diabetic foot care.
Support and Information
TheDiabetes Canada helpline (1-800-BANTING/226-8464)is available Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST. They can answer questions, provide resources, and help connect you with local supports.
For wound care needs, Ontario Health atHome offers specialized services with trained nurses who understand the unique challenges of diabetic wound healing.
When Professional Home Care Support Makes Sense
Maria's dad now receives visits from a personal support worker three times a week. During these visits, the PSW helps with bathing, thoroughly dries his feet (including between the toes), and conducts a careful inspection. Once a month, aregistered nurse specializing in diabetes carecomes for a more detailed assessment.
"I sleep better now," Maria says. "I know someone trained is watching for problems I might miss."
Who Benefits Most
Professionaldiabetes care at homemakes particular sense for people who:
- Have limited mobility or flexibility making self-inspection difficult
- Have vision challenges that affect their ability to see their feet clearly
- Have already experienced foot complications
- Live alone without family nearby for daily checks
- Are managing multiple health conditions alongside diabetes
- Have cognitive changes affecting their ability to maintain routines
What Home Care Providers Can Do
Professional caregivers offer more than just foot checks.Personal support workerscan assist with:
- Daily bathing and thorough foot drying
- Moisturizing application
- Careful foot inspection
- Ensuring proper footwear is worn
- Monitoring any areas of concern
For people with wounds or areas requiring medical attention,registered nursesprovide:
- Wound assessment and monitoring
- Dressing changes
- Coordination with your healthcare provider
- Education on prevention
This professional support integrates with broaderdiabetes care, includingmedication managementto keep blood sugar controlled — which directly impacts foot health and healing.
For family caregivers, this support offers peace of mind. You're still involved, but you have professional backup. If caregiver burnout is already creeping in, having reliable help with this critical daily task can make a real difference.
Your Daily Foot Care Checklist
Screenshot or print this checklist to post in the bathroom as a daily reminder:
Every Morning
- [ ] Check inside shoes for debris or damage
- [ ] Put on clean, seamless socks
- [ ] Never go barefoot, even just around the house
Every Evening
- [ ] Wash feet with lukewarm water (test with elbow)
- [ ] Dry thoroughly, especially between toes
- [ ] Apply moisturizer (avoid between toes)
- [ ] Inspect both feet completely using a mirror if needed
- [ ] Look for cuts, blisters, redness, swelling, colour changes
- [ ] Compare feet — do they look and feel similar?
Weekly
- [ ] Trim toenails straight across (or schedule chiropodist)
- [ ] Check socks for worn spots or tight elastic
- [ ] Inspect shoes for wear or rough interior spots
Call Healthcare Provider If:
- [ ] Any wound shows signs of infection or doesn't improve after a few days
- [ ] You notice increased redness, warmth, swelling, or drainage
- [ ] There's a fever alongside any foot problem
- [ ] New numbness or tingling appears
- [ ] Any injury breaks the skin
Small Steps, Big Impact
Here's what matters most: prevention isn't about perfection. You don't need to execute a flawless routine every single day. What you need is consistency and attention.
Those five minutes you spend checking feet each evening? They're protecting your parent's independence. Their ability to walk, to move around their home safely, to maintain the life they love in Toronto — it often starts with feet that are healthy and whole.
Yes, it's one more task on your caregiving to-do list. But it's also one of the most impactful things you can do.
And when you need help — whether that's guidance, professional assessment, or regular support — that help is available right here in Toronto. Haven at Home's team includes caregivers trained in diabetic foot care andnursing staff experienced in diabetes management. We understand that small daily habits prevent big complications.
Ready to discuss how professional support could help with your parent's diabetic foot care?Call us at 437-291-0305 for a free consultation. We'll talk about your specific situation, answer your questions, and help you understand your options. No pressure, no obligation — just helpful information from people who understand Toronto families and diabetic care.
Because the best time to prevent a diabetic foot complication? Before it starts.