Diabetic Footcare
How Diabetes can affect your feet
Living with diabetes means giving your feet extra care and attention. At AA Podiatry in Glasgow, we provide specialist diabetic foot care and regular checks to help you stay active, independent, and reduce the risk of serious complications.
Diabetes can damage the nerves and blood vessels that supply your feet.
Raised blood glucose levels (also known as blood sugars) can affect your circulation which can lead to less blood supply getting to your feet. Reduced or poor blood flow can make it harder for cuts or wounds to heal properly.
Nerve damage (neuropathy) is another complication of diabetes that can make your feet feel numb, tingly, burning, or just ‘different.’ In some cases, you may not notice any changes at all. This means you might not feel injuries, tight shoes, or changes in temperature.
Why regular diabetic foot checks matter
Even if you check your feet every day, there are changes only a trained professional will pick up. A regular diabetic foot assessment helps to:
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Spot early nerve damage or circulation problems
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Identify areas of pressure and hard skin before they become problematic
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Pick up small breaks in the skin, nail problems or infections
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Monitor your risk level over time and adjust your care accordingly
By identifying problems early, they can often be managed promptly and effectively—significantly lowering your risk of ulceration or amputation. If you live with diabetes in Glasgow, incorporating regular podiatry checks into your routine is one of the most reliable ways to protect your feet.
What happens at a diabetic foot assessment
with AA Podiatry?
During your appointment, your podiatrist will take the time to understand both your diabetes and your day-to-day life. A typical diabetic foot check includes:
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Medical and diabetes history – how long you’ve had diabetes, recent blood sugar control, any previous foot problems.
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Circulation assessment – checking pulses in your feet and often using specialist equipment (such as a Doppler) to assess blood flow.
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Nerve/sensation testing – in-depth sensory and proprioception tests to evaluate nerve function and detect any loss of sensation.
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Skin, nail, structural checks and treatment – management of callus, corns, including nail care and ingrown toenails. Examining the feet for any structural abnormalities or changes in the skin. Identifying any acute concerns such as wounds or breaks in the skin. Advising on further management to help to prevent future issues.
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Personalised advice – clear guidance on your level of risk, how often you should be seen and what you can do at home to keep your feet healthy. If we find anything that needs urgent attention, we’ll advise you clearly on the next steps.
When to seek urgent help
Contact a podiatrist if you notice:
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A break in the skin on your foot (cut, blister, crack or ulcer)
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Redness, warmth or swelling in any part of your foot
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New or worsening pain
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Discoloured areas (red, blue, purple, black or very pale skin)
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Any discharge, oozing or unpleasant smell from a wound or between the toes.
These changes don’t always mean something serious – but with diabetes it’s always better to be safe and have them checked quickly.
Diabetic foot care with AA Podiatry in Glasgow
AA Podiatry offers specialist diabetic foot assessments and ongoing foot care at our Glasgow clinics. Whether you’ve just been diagnosed, have lived with diabetes for years or have already had foot complications, we’re here to help you:
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Know your personal foot risk level and what it means for your care
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Schedule regular diabetic foot care appointments to catch problems early
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Management of hard skin, nail issues, and pressure points safely with professional help
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Get tailored advice on footwear, insoles, and daily foot care to protect your feet
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Receive clear, practical guidance suited to your lifestyle and health needs
If you find it difficult to get to clinic, we can also discuss home visits in the local area.
Book your diabetic foot check at one of our
Foot care clinics in Glasgow
If you live with diabetes and haven’t had your feet checked recently – or you’re worried about any changes – get in touch with AA Podiatry today.
We’ll carry out a comprehensive assessment of your feet, explain your management options clearly, and provide tailored treatment to help keep your feet as healthy as possible.
AA Podiatry – Shettleston
1306 Shettleston Road, Glasgow, G32 7YS
Services: Diabetic foot assessment & treatment and all routine podiatry
Access: Street-level entrance; bus routes on Shettleston Rd
AA Podiatry – Clarkston
150 Busby Road, Clarkston, G76 8BH
Services: Diabetic foot assessment & treatment and all routine podiatry
Access: On-street parking; near Clarkston rail station
Diabetic Footcare - FAQ's
How often should I see a Podiatrist if I have Diabetes?
You should see a Podiatrist at least once a year for a foot examination. If you have diabetic complications a visit may be required, every 3-6 months.
Should I cut my own toenails if I am Diabetic?
If you can reach and see your feet safely and do not have neuropathy or circulation issues you can give them a trim and gently file after. Otherwise, it is best to see your Podiatrist
What are the early signs of Diabetic foot complications?
Look out for numbness, tingling, burning sensations, changes in skin colour or temperature, calluses, slow healing wounds or swelling.
What should I do if I get a blister or a cut on my foot if I am Diabetic?
If it is not healing within 1-2 days, is red, swollen or painful or is weeping see your Podiatrist immediately.
Why are my feet affected by Diabetes?
Diabetes can damage the nerves and blood vessels over time. This can lead to poor circulation and loss of sensation (Neuropathy) in your feet making it harder to notice injuries and for wounds to heal