Diabetes is the number-one cause of neuropathy, damage to the nerves in your feet. Statistics show that 60–70 percent of those with diabetes suffer from neuropathy. This condition causes burning, tingling, or numbness in the feet, which could drastically alter a patient’s quality of life.

Seeing a podiatrist regularly is an important part of managing your condition and preventing complications. If you do experience a problem with your feet, your podiatrist is the best-qualified physician to treat it.

When you add a podiatrist to your health-care team, he or she can provide you with important information so you're better able to manage the effects of diabetes on your feet. If you are looking for a podiatrist in your area, check out our Find a Podiatrist tool.

Whether you've been diagnosed recently or have been fighting diabetes for years, the resources below will help you to monitor your feet and prevent complications.

For Patients

• An Overview: What is diabetes? What is peripheral arterial disease? What is peripheral neuropathy? What is a diabetic foot ulcer?
• How Diabetes Affects Your Health: Watch this short video to learn how diabetes can affect your overall health.
• Diabetes Footwear and Products: View our podiatrist-approved products for managing and treating diabetes.
• Listen: APMA spokesperson Jane Andersen, DPM, joined the American Association of Diabetes Educators' podcast, The Huddle, speaking on the importance of diabetes care by a podiatrist. Listen here!
• Outsmarting Diabetes: Take a look at this suite of videos that highlights how today's podiatrists are developing and using smart medicine to help their patients with diabetes.
• Join the Conversation: Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to hear more about topics related to diabetes and foot health year-round. Don't forget to mention APMA or use the #dontloseyournerve hashtag!

For APMA Members, State Components, and Affiliated Organizations

Individual members and practices can make use of the following resources to promote their expertise and educate current and prospective patients. These downloadable resources include social media posts, a press release, a feature story, social media graphics and logos, a poster, tip sheet, Dear Colleague letter, and a special edition of Footprints.

Note: Members in New York should contact NYSPMA Executive Director Dan Kline for materials customized to your needs.

Access downloadable files

Additional Diabetes and Foot Health Resources

• American Diabetes Association
• Southern Arizona Limb Salvage Alliance (SALSA)
• CDC Working Together to Manage Diabetes Toolkit
• LEAP Alliance
• International Diabetes Federation