As the third heatwave of the year continues and millions of Brits prepare for summer travel, health experts have issued a crucial warning for people with diabetes: avoid wearing flip-flops and take extra care of your feet. High temperatures can increase the risk of developing serious foot problems, including infections that may lead to amputations.
Why Diabetes Patients Are at Risk
Natasha Marsland, Senior Clinical Advisor at Diabetes UK, explains that consistently high blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol can damage nerves in the feet, reducing sensation. “You might not feel when you’ve cut your foot or burned yourself,” she says. “Damage to your feet creates an opening for bacteria and infection. Common foot problems, such as a blister, can turn into a serious infection if left untreated, and for some people this can lead to amputations.”
Hot weather exacerbates the issue: “Some people living with diabetes experience foot swelling in hot weather, which makes their shoes fit tighter and may exert blister-causing pressure on the toes and heels,” Marsland adds. Ill-fitting shoes, even if comfortable, can cause problems or worsen existing conditions.
Key Tips for Summer Foot Care
Diabetes UK recommends the following to mitigate risks during hot weather and beach holidays:
- Check your footwear inside and out before putting them on.
- Choose socks made from breathable, moisture-wicking materials like bamboo.
- Avoid flip-flops, as they can cause blisters between toes and offer no arch support or protection. Even minor injuries can turn into severe ulcers or infections.
- Moisturise feet daily with an emollient cream, ideally with a urea base, to keep skin healthy.
- Use sunscreen on feet with at least SPF 30 and 4-star UVA protection to prevent sunburn.
- Avoid walking barefoot, even on the beach—sand can become very hot and cause burns without you noticing. Wear well-fitting sandals or shoes.
- Wear protective footwear such as plastic shoes or neoprene beach shoes with rubber soles when paddling in the sea.
Understanding Diabetes
Diabetes is a condition where the body does not produce enough insulin or cannot use it effectively, leading to high blood glucose levels. Common symptoms include feeling thirsty all the time, peeing more than usual, feeling very tired, and losing weight without trying. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition often diagnosed in childhood and cannot be prevented. Type 2 diabetes is linked to weight, age, ethnicity, and family history, and can sometimes be prevented or managed with lifestyle changes such as a balanced diet, regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight.
With over 5 million people in the UK living with diabetes, following these foot care tips is essential to avoid serious complications during the summer heat.
