Diabetic Foot Care Daily Checklist 2026 | DPM

Why Diabetics Must Inspect Their Feet Daily

Peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage) affects up to 50% of people with diabetes, reducing the ability to feel pain, pressure, temperature, and injury. A small cut or blister that a non-diabetic would feel immediately can go completely undetected in a diabetic — and without detection and treatment, it can progress to a wound, then a deep infection, then osteomyelitis (bone infection), and ultimately amputation.

The majority of lower-extremity amputations in people with diabetes are preventable with consistent daily foot care and timely podiatric intervention.

The Daily Diabetic Foot Care Checklist

Morning Inspection (Before Getting Dressed)

☐ Check the tops, bottoms, and sides of both feet in good light. Use a magnifying mirror for the bottom if flexibility is limited, or ask a family member to look.

☐ Look for: redness, blisters, cuts, cracks, swelling, bruising, drainage, nail changes, or any new discoloration.

☐ Feel between all toes — fungal infections start in moist web spaces.

☐ Note any warm or cool areas compared to surrounding skin (temperature asymmetry can indicate inflammation or vascular change).

Washing

☐ Wash feet daily in warm (not hot) water — test with elbow or thermometer, never with feet directly (neuropathy can cause burns).

☐ Wash for 3–5 minutes with mild soap.

☐ Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap (residue can irritate skin).

Drying

☐ Pat feet completely dry — especially between every toe.

☐ Residual moisture between toes is the primary cause of diabetic foot fungal infections and maceration.

Moisturizing

☐ Apply fragrance-free moisturizer or urea cream to the tops and bottoms of feet.

☐ Do NOT apply moisturizer between the toes.

Footwear

☐ Check inside shoes before putting on — shake out loose objects and run a hand inside to feel for foreign objects or rough seams.

☐ Wear diabetic socks (seamless, moisture-wicking, non-constricting) every day.

☐ Never go barefoot — even inside the home. Slippers with closed toes and rigid soles at a minimum.

Evening

☐ Remove socks and inspect feet again before bed.

☐ Report any new finding to your podiatrist — do not wait to see if it resolves.

When to Call Your Podiatrist Immediately

Any wound, blister, cut, or ulcer. Any new redness, warmth, or swelling — even without pain (neuropathy means you may not feel an infection). Any nail changes or ingrown toenail. Any new skin color change or dark spot.

FAQ

How often should diabetics see a podiatrist?

Every 2–3 months at minimum for most diabetics. High-risk diabetics (neuropathy + PAD, or prior ulceration) should be seen every 1–2 months. Frequency is based on individual risk assessment.