Walking Through Diabetes Awareness Month: Why Foot Health Matters

November is Diabetes Awareness Month — a time to reflect, raise awareness, and support those living with diabetes. At Heavenly Steps, we know how deeply diabetes affects foot health, and we’re committed to helping people take better care of their feet. As the month draws to a close, here’s a look back at why this awareness matters — and how you can take practical steps forward.

Why November Matters

Diabetes prevention and education are being emphasised across the UK. For example, in the East Midlands, the NHS are urging people to understand their risk and manage their health proactively.

The Diabetes-Foot Health Connection

Diabetes isn’t just about blood sugar levels — it has a big impact on the feet. Persistently high blood glucose can lead to nerve damage (neuropathy) and reduced blood flow, which increases the risk of foot ulcers, infections, and other complications.

Here’s why foot care is particularly important for people living with diabetes:

• Reduced Sensation: Neuropathy can make it difficult to feel cuts, blisters, or pressure points.

• Poor Healing: High blood sugar can slow down healing.

• Higher Risk of Infection: Even a small wound can turn into a serious problem if not treated or monitored.

• Foot Deformities: Structural changes to your feet can lead to calluses, corns, or uneven pressure areas.

  
  

These risks make regular foot check-ups and daily foot care vital for people with diabetes.

What You Can Do

Whether you're living with diabetes, supporting a loved one, or just want to help spread awareness, here are some meaningful ways to get involved:

1. Get Your Feet Checked

   Schedule a foot health check with a registered foot health practitioner (like us!). We can spot early signs of trouble before they become serious.

   
   

2. Adopt Good Daily Habits

   • Wash and dry your feet daily (especially between toes).

   • Moisturise dry areas (but avoid between the toes).

   • Wear well-fitted, supportive shoes.

   • Check for cuts, blisters, redness, or swelling.

     
     

3. Know the Symptoms

   Learn the early signs of foot problems — and get them addressed quickly.

   
   

4. Stay Active & Eat Well

   A healthy lifestyle isn’t just good for blood sugar — it’s great for circulation too.

   
   

5. Talk About It

   Share your story, challenge misunderstandings, or simply support someone else on their journey.

   
   

How Heavenly Steps Can Help

At Heavenly Steps, we are more than just foot practitioners — we are allies in long-term foot health, especially for people managing chronic conditions like diabetes. Here’s how we support our clients:

• Tailored Foot Health Treatments: We provide assessments, nail care, callus and corn treatment, and more.

• Preventive Advice: We educate clients on how to spot early foot issues and prevent complications.

• Mobile & Clinic Services: Whether you need us to come to you or you join us in our clinic, we make foot health accessible.

• Ongoing Support: We’re here for routine check-ins — early detection of problems makes a big difference to outcomes.

  
  

Diabetes Awareness Month is more than just a calendar event — it’s a reminder that diabetes is a long-term journey. For anyone affected, foot health is not a side issue; it’s a critical part of overall well-being.

Here at Heavenly Steps, we are honoured to walk beside you on that path. Whether you need a foot check, some prevention advice, or just someone to talk to about your foot health concerns — we’re here for you.