Diabetes and Footcare
At Foot Foundation, we recognise the critical importance of managing foot health, especially for individuals living with diabetes. Diabetes can lead to complications affecting the feet, requiring specialised care to prevent ulcers, infections, and other serious conditions.
Understanding Diabetic Foot Complications
Diabetes can cause nerve damage (neuropathy) and poor blood circulation (peripheral vascular disease) in the feet, leading to reduced sensation and slower healing. This increases the risk of developing foot ulcers, infections, and other foot-related problems.
Specialised Diabetes and Footcare Services
At Foot Foundation, we provide tailored footcare services for people living with diabetes, including:
Regular Foot Examinations: Comprehensive assessments to detect issues such as wounds, calluses, or changes in sensation at an early stage.
Customised Footwear: Advice on appropriate footwear to reduce pressure points and prevent injuries or complications.
Foot Ulcer Management: Specialist treatments to promote healing and prevent infections.
Peripheral Neuropathy Management: Strategies to address nerve damage and relieve symptoms linked to neuropathy.
Vascular Assessment: Evaluation of blood circulation in the feet to identify and manage vascular complications.
Preventative Measures
We emphasise the importance of preventative measures to maintain healthy feet for individuals with diabetes:
Daily foot inspections
Proper hygiene and moisturisation
Regular visits to a podiatrist
Effective management of blood sugar levels
Diabetes Foot Care – FAQ
Diabetes can reduce blood circulation and damage nerves in the feet, increasing the risk of ulcers, infections, and slow healing. Regular podiatry care is essential for preventing complications and maintaining mobility, comfort, and overall health.
- Reduced blood flow to the feet
- Nerve damage (peripheral neuropathy)
- Dry skin and cracked heels
- Fungal infections and thickened toenails
- Ulcers, wounds, or delayed healing
- Increased risk of amputation if problems are left untreated
- Comprehensive foot assessments
- Screening for circulation and nerve function
- Nail and skin care
- Management of ulcers, corns, calluses, and infections
- Education on self-care and footwear advice
- Ongoing monitoring to reduce complications
We recommend at least one podiatry review per year for all people with diabetes. Patients with high-risk feet (reduced sensation, poor circulation, history of ulcers) may need more frequent visits. Your GP and podiatrist will determine the right schedule for you.
- Check feet daily for cuts, blisters, redness, or swelling
- Wash and dry feet carefully, especially between the toes
- Moisturise dry skin but avoid between toes
- Wear well-fitting footwear and avoid walking barefoot
- Trim nails carefully or seek podiatry assistance if difficult
- Seek professional help promptly if a wound or infection develops
Yes, in some cases. Foot Foundation holds contracts with the following Primary Health Organisations (PHOs):
- Pinnacle
- East Health Trust
- ProCare
If you are referred by your GP and meet eligibility criteria, you may be entitled to funded podiatry appointments for diabetic footcare. Please check with your GP or our reception team for details.
If you do not meet the PHO funding criteria, standard podiatry consultation fees apply. At Foot Foundation, we provide clear pricing before treatment. Please contact our reception team for current fees or view our Price List.
Diabetic footcare is available at all Foot Foundation clinics, including:
- Rosedale, Auckland
- Takapuna, Auckland
- Remuera, Auckland
- Botany, Auckland
- Hamilton, Waikato
- Tauranga, Bay of Plenty
Book Your Diabetes and Footcare Appointment Today
Foot Foundation provides specialist diabetes footcare to prevent complications and keep you mobile—comprehensive assessments, circulation and nerve screening, nail and skin care, and management of ulcers, corns, calluses, and infections, with clear self-care and footwear guidance.
Most people benefit from at least one review per year; high-risk feet may need more frequent visits. PHO funding may be available through Pinnacle, East Health Trust, and ProCare (eligibility applies). Transparent fees are provided if funding doesn’t apply.
Appointments available in Rosedale, Takapuna, Remuera, Botany, Hamilton, and Tauranga.
