Diabetic Dry Feet: Understanding and Managing Dry Feet in Diabetes

Diabetes is a subject that I'm always interested in learning more about because my mother unfortunately has it. In fact, the desire to share the knowledge I have regarding this disease is one reason that got me on my writing journey. And one aspect that is important to stop at and consider for a second when we are talking about diabetes is diabetic foot syndrome.

Diabetic foot syndrome is one of the many complications that accompany diabetes. Among the various symptoms of diabetic foot syndrome, we have dry feet, a symptom that's considered to be an early sign of undiagnosed diabetes. If you are thinking that dry feet are just an inconvenience, then think again. If you don't manage and control dry feet as soon as possible, it can cause a lot of complications that you certainly do not need.

In this blog, we will look into diabetic dry feet, the underlying causes and complications, and how you can manage it and prevent further complications.

Part 1: Understanding Diabetic Dry Feet

Diabetic dry feet, as previously mentioned, are a symptom of diabetic foot, a condition that arises as a complication of having diabetes for a long time.

What Causes Dry Feet in Diabetes?

Diabetes has several ramifications that eventually lead to diabetic foot syndrome and, by extension, dry feet. These include:

1. Neuropathy (nerve damage) ​ 

Neuropathy, or nerve damage, has various causes, but diabetes mellitus is the most common underlying cause¹. Diabetic neuropathy has several risk factors, such as long-standing diabetes, age, and the quality of diabetes control².

Symptoms and Consequences of Diabetic Neuropathy:

1. Loss of Sensation: reduced or loss of vibration sense and superficial sensitivity (pressure and touch), along with subjective paraesthesia or numbing.

2. Burning Feet Syndrome: Often arises at night, accompanied by intense pain.

3. Decreased Pain Sensation: Chronic sensory neuropathy leads to a substantial decrease in pain sensation.

4. Increased Risk of Trauma: Due to the inability to feel pain, serious ulcerations are often neglected.

5. Dry Skin (Diabetic Dry Feet): Dryness of the skin can result from diabetic neuropathy.

 2. Poor circulation (peripheral artery disease, PAD) 

Although not a major cause, poor circulation is another risk factor for diabetic foot syndrome and, hence, dry feet. Diabetes-related factors, such as hyperglycemia and inflammation, lead to an acceleration in the progression of atherosclerosis in peripheral arteries³. 

3. Reduced sweat gland function

A study comparing sweat gland function in diabetic patients and a control group observed that those with diabetes experience a reduction in sweat gland function⁴. This, in turn, can lead to diabetic dry feet. 

4. High blood sugar levels lead to dehydration​ 

If you have diabetes, you probably already know that thirst and frequent urination are signs of high blood sugar. When your blood sugar is high and the kidneys can't keep up, this sugar goes into the urine, dragging large quantities of water with it, which can cause dry feet⁵.

Dry Feet as an Early Sign of Diabetes

Dry feet and dry skin are considered early signs of diabetes. If you have chronic dryness, then you need to check with your doctor to make sure that everything is okay.

Symptoms of Dry Feet

• Dry, cracked skin.

• Itching and discomfort.

• Peeling skin.

Part 2: Importance of Foot Care in Diabetes

Given what you have read so far, it's not hard to guess why foot care is very important for diabetics. If you have diabetes, you are at risk of developing diabetic foot syndrome and dry feet in multiple ways. This underscores the importance of foot care.

Neglecting your foot care can eventually lead to complications such as ulcers and infections that, if serious enough, might cause you to lose a limb⁶.

If diabetic dry feet are not taken care of, they can lead to skin cracks, peelings, and ulcers. 

Part 3: Daily Foot Care Routine

Establishing a daily foot care routine to deal with dry skin and stave off diabetic foot syndrome is not hard. All you need to do is this:

• Wash your feet every day with unharsh soap and warm water (avoid hot water).

• Dry your feet gently and thoroughly, especially between the toes, because any humidity and wetness there can lead to a fungal infection.

• Don't weight long after that; apply a thick moisturizer and avoid the areas between the toes to prevent fungal infections.

• Check your feet every day for any cuts, blisters, redness, or swelling.

• You can use a mirror or ask for help if you have difficulty seeing the bottoms of your feet. In any case, don't miss any spots.

• Trim your nails regularly and properly. You don't want to deal with ingrown nails when you can avoid them.

• And finally, you should avoid walking barefoot to prevent cracks and injuries. 

My Mom's Special Moisturizer Recipe 

I struggle with dry skin and dry feet on a daily basis. That's why I understand that for a lot of us, finding the right moisturizer—the one that will keep your skin smooth and hydrated for a long duration—is hard. When I apply a conventional lotion in five minutes or less, I get the feeling that I didn't apply anything; my skin feels as dry as paper. Hence, comes my mother's special cream; it's the only thing that works. I will show you how to prepare it; maybe it will benefit you too.

Ingredients:

• A 500 ml bottle of lotion (any lotion).

• Petroleum jelly (3 tablespoons).

• Lemon juice (one lemon).

• Glycerin.

 Steps

• In a bowl, empty the lotion.

• Add the lemon juice and petroleum jelly.

• Then add the glycerin, mix, and if you feel that the cream is not viscous enough, add more glycerin. 

Part 4: Managing Blood Sugar Levels

Managing blood sugar is important for improving and preventing diabetic foot syndrome in general and diabetic dry feet by extension. This is due to the fact that high blood sugar levels is a direct cause of diabetes neuropathy and peripheral artery disease, two conditions that largely contribute to the development of diabetic foot syndrome. Also, as I mentioned earlier, lower blood sugar levels can increase hydration.

Part 5: When to see a healthcare professional 

If the dryness is persistent or you start seeing cracks, then it's recommended that you check with your doctor. Also, if you are a diagnosed diabetic patient, a follow-up appointment with the doctor is crucial to make sure that you are okay and to detect any problems early on.

Part 6: Additional Tips

• Drink a lot of water and stay hydrated. 

• It might help to keep a humidifier at home.

FAQ About Diabetic Dry Feet

1. What is diabetic dry feet?

Diabetic dry feet is a common symptom of diabetic foot syndrome, characterized by dry, cracked skin, peeling, and itching. This condition arises due to complications from diabetes, such as neuropathy (nerve damage), poor circulation, and reduced sweat gland function.

2. Why is foot care important for diabetics?

Foot care is crucial for diabetics because they are at higher risk of developing complications like diabetic foot syndrome, which can lead to ulcers, infections, and even amputation if not properly managed. Regular foot care helps prevent these severe outcomes.

4. How can I manage diabetic dry feet?

Managing diabetic dry feet involves:

• Regularly washing and thoroughly drying your feet.

• Applying a thick moisturizer, avoiding the areas between the toes.
  

• Inspecting your feet daily for cuts, blisters, and other abnormalities.

• Wearing well-fitted shoes and avoiding walking barefoot.
  

5. What are the symptoms of diabetic neuropathy?

Symptoms of diabetic neuropathy include:

• Loss of sensation, such as reduced vibration sense and superficial sensitivity.

• Burning feet syndrome, particularly at night.

• Decreased pain sensation, increasing the risk of unnoticed injuries.

• Dry skin and the potential development of ulcers.

6. How does high blood sugar lead to dry feet?

High blood sugar levels cause the kidneys to work harder to remove excess sugar from the blood, leading to increased urination. This process can dehydrate the body, including the skin on the feet, resulting in dryness.

7. What should I do if I notice chronic dryness in my feet?

If you notice chronic dryness in your feet, it's important to consult a healthcare professional. Persistent dry skin can be an early sign of diabetes or indicate poor diabetes management, requiring medical attention to prevent further complications.

Bottom Line  

Diabetic dry feet is a common symptom of diabetic foot syndrome, and although it might seem like a trivial issue to some, diabetic dry feet, if ignored, can lead to serious complications like infections. Thankfully, maintaining a foot care routine and managing your blood sugar levels can help you a great deal in managing diabetic dry feet and diabetic foot syndrome. 

Leave a comment and share with us your experience with diabetes. Also, for more informative topics about diabetes, subscribe to my blog.

Sources:

1. Bodman, M. A., Dreyer, M. A., & Varacallo, M. (2024). Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy. In StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK442009/

2. Volmer-Thole, M., & Lobmann, R. (2016). Neuropathy and Diabetic Foot Syndrome. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 17(6), 917. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms17060917

3. Yachmaneni, A. Jr, Jajoo, S., Mahakalkar, C., Kshirsagar, S., & Dhole, S. (2023). A Comprehensive Review of the Vascular Consequences of Diabetes in the Lower Extremities: Current Approaches to Management and Evaluation of Clinical Outcomes. Cureus, 15(10), e47525. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.47525

4. Liu, B. (2023). Changes of sweat gland function in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with peripheral neuropathy. International Journal of Diabetes in Developing Countries, 44(1), 84-90. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13410-023-01207-2

5. Mayo Clinic. (2023). Diabetes symptoms: When to see a doctor. Retrieved June 28, 2024, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/in-depth/diabetes-symptoms/art-20044248

6. Song, K., & Chambers, A. R. (2024). Diabetic Foot Care. In StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK553110/