Could You Be at Risk for a Diabetes-Related Foot Wound?

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Diabetes can affect the nerves and blood vessels in the feet. Nerve damage may reduce sensation, making it difficult to feel a cut, blister, burn, or pressure area. Poor circulation may also slow healing and increase the risk of infection. Identifying these risks early can help prevent serious complications.    

Select “Yes” or “No” for each question

1. Do you have numbness, tingling, burning, or pain in either foot? 
2. Do your feet sometimes feel unusually hot or cold? 
3. Have you ever stepped on something or developed a blister without noticing it? 
4. Do you have difficulty feeling light touch, pressure, heat, or cold? 

1. Have you been told that you have poor circulation or peripheral arterial disease? 
2. Are your feet frequently cold, pale, bluish, or darker than usual? 
3. Have you noticed decreased hair growth on your feet or lower legs? 
4. Have you had a cut, blister, or sore that healed slowly? 

1. Do you currently have a callus, corn, blister, crack, redness, swelling, or open area? 
2. Do you have thickened, yellow, ingrown, or difficult-to-trim toenails? 
3. Do you have bunions, hammertoes, prominent bones, or another change in foot shape? 
4. Have you previously had a diabetic foot ulcer, infection, or amputation? 

1. Do you sometimes walk barefoot, including inside your home? 
2. Do your shoes rub, feel tight, or leave red marks? 
3. Are you unable to see or reach the bottoms of your feet for a daily inspection? 
4. Do you smoke or use tobacco products? 
5. Is your blood glucose frequently outside the target range established with your healthcare provider? 
6. Has it been more than one year since a healthcare professional examined your feet?

• No “Yes” Answers:  Continue Prevention  Your answers do not identify an obvious risk factor on this educational checklist. Continue checking your feet daily, wear properly fitting shoes and socks, and have your feet examined regularly by a healthcare professional. 

•  One to Three “Yes” Answers: Discuss Your Risk  You may have one or more factors that increase your chance of developing a foot problem. Bring your answers to your primary-care provider, diabetes clinician, or podiatrist and ask whether you need a more detailed foot examination.  

• Four or More “Yes” Answers: Schedule a Foot Evaluation  Several risk factors may be present. Contact your healthcare provider or podiatrist to arrange a comprehensive foot evaluation and an individualized prevention plan.  

0: Continue prevention 

1–3: Discuss your risk 

4 or more: Schedule an evaluation 

Any current wound or previous amputation: Prompt professional follow-up regardless of score