Check your feet daily—look for cuts, redness, swelling, or changes in color/temperature.
Never walk barefoot—even indoors.
Keep blood sugar in target range—this slows nerve and vessel damage.
Ask your doctor about an ankle-brachial index (ABI) test—a simple, painless way to check for PAD.
Control blood pressure and cholesterol—they’re just as important as blood sugar for heart health.
💡 Prevention tip: Walk 30 minutes a day—it improves circulation and insulin sensitivity.
🚨 When to Seek Emergency Care
Go to the ER immediately if you have:
Sudden foot pain with cold, pale skin
Blackened toe or foot (sign of tissue death)
Fever with a foot wound
Chest pain, jaw pain, or shortness of breath (heart attack may present differently in diabetics)
💬 Final Thought
Your feet aren’t just for walking—they’re windows into your cardiovascular health.
