Getting to the Bottom of Diabetes Itchy Feet

There’s a superstition that if your left palm itches, you will be coming into some money. Not so with your feet, however, especially if you have diabetes. Diabetes and feet itching are common. A study conducted in 2021 of 109 adults with Type 2 diabetes found 36% experienced itching. The study found that the itching negatively affected the quality of life of the participants. The itching often occurred because of poor management of the disease.[1]

Itchy feet from diabetes can be caused either by peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage) in the legs and feet or poor circulation or because of blood sugar levels. One of the primary symptoms of diabetes itchy feet is a constant, persistent itch that does not easily subside. This itching is often more intense than typical skin irritations and does not respond well to regular over-the-counter anti-itch creams.[2]

Peripheral neuropathy and diabetes itchy feet

Peripheral neuropathy indicates a problem within the peripheral nervous system. When peripheral nerve cells, called neurons, become damaged or destroyed, neuropathy disrupts the way they communicate with each other and the brain.  Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy include numbness or inability to feel pain, tingling or burning sensation and itchiness.

The National Institute of Health (NIH) National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease (NIDDK) estimates about one-third to one-half of people with diabetes have the condition due to high blood glucose or blood sugar.[3] That’s because high blood glucose or blood sugar and high levels of fats in the blood from diabetes can damage nerves and the small blood vessels that nourish nerves, leading to peripheral neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy typically affects the feet and legs, resulting in diabetes itchy feet and sometimes affects the hands and arms.

Diabetic foot itch caused by poor circulation

Another complication of diabetes is poor circulation. Over time, high glucose levels can damage the lining of the small blood vessels, impeding circulation. Diabetes also increases the risk of peripheral arterial disease (PAD), which produces fatty deposits that narrow blood vessels, in legs and feet.  Data from the American Diabetes Association indicates that 1 in 3 people over 50 with diabetes has PAD.  The condition can increase the chances of having a stroke or heart attack. [4]

Over time, complications from poor blood flow can include dry, cracked itchy skin, especially on the lower legs and feet. Other PAD symptoms include:

• Cold hands and feet
• Leg pain when walking (a sign of PAD)
• Increased risk of developing foot infections or ulcers
• Slow wound healing
• Nerve damage (neuropathy)
• Brittle toenails
• Pale or slightly blue skin on the affected area

Daily foot care to prevent itchy feet from diabetes and more

Check your feet daily for:

• Dry and cracked skin
• Blisters or sores
• Bruises or cuts
• Redness, warmth, or tenderness (often absent because of nerve damage)
• Firm or hard spots

Keep blood sugar levels under control: To keep your blood sugars within the target range, eat a variety of healthy foods from all the food groups in the amount outlined in a prescribed meal plan. The food groups are vegetables, fruits, grains, protein, and dairy (nonfat or low fat).

Exercise carefully: If you are suffering from diabetic foot symptoms, do the right exercises that will not increase the risk of injury. Feet-friendly exercises include walking, swimming and even bike riding. You also want to keep the blood flowing in your feet. Several times a day, when you are sitting put your feet up, wiggle your toes and move your ankles. Avoid crossing your legs for extended periods of time. [5]

Consider special footwear: Structurally, diabetic shoes are designed to prevent pressure on the feet. A wider toe width or “toe box” gives toes more room to move to help prevent blisters and hot spots that can develop when toes rub against each other or against the shoe.  Diabetic shoes also may have extra depth for a pressure-free fit. Diabetic shoes feature lightweight, cushioning soles to facilitate mobility and stability and reduce impacts on the feet. [6] They also help restrict air flow inside, which helps prevent moisture that can cause bacteria to grow. [7]

Prevent dry skin: You’ll want to apply moisturizer several times a day to reduce dryness that contributes to itchy feet from diabetes. EASE-Z Diabetics’ Dry Skin Therapy Foot Cream is an over-the-counter offering that uniquely feature active Zinc Acetate to relieve and protect dry, cracked skin associated with diabetes. The product covers the skin with a thick protective layer that penetrates to provide real, long lasting-relief.  It is unscented and non-greasy for added comfort. Daily use gives superior recovery and continuous relief. Learn more about Ease-Z.

You’ll also want to see your doctor once a year or more if you have foot problems. While conditions like peripheral neuropathy cannot be reversed, your doctor can recommend ways to keep feet healthy and manage pain.

[1] Stefaniak AA, Krajewski PK, Bednarska-Chabowska D, Bolanowski M, Mazur G, Szepietowski JC. Itch in Adult Population with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Clinical Profile, Pathogenesis and Disease-Related Burden in a Cross-Sectional Study. Biology (Basel). 2021 Dec 15;10(12):1332. doi: 10.3390/biology10121332. PMID: 34943248; PMCID: PMC8698455.  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8698455/

[2] “How to Relieve Diabetic Itching Feet: A Comprehensive Guide,” Modern Foot and Ankle, Accessed October 13, 2024. https://www.modernfootankle.com/resources/foot-care/guides/relieve-diabetic-itching-feet

[3] “Diabetic Neuropathy,” NDDK, Accessed October 13, 2024. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/preventing-problems/nerve-damage-diabetic-neuropathies

[4] “How Does Diabetes-Related Poor Circulation Happen?” Amputation Prevention Centers of America, Accessed October 13, 2024. https://www.apcofamerica.com/low-blood-flow-poor-circulation-diabetes/

[5] Reviewed by Dansinger, Michael, “Diabetic Foot Problems,” WebMD, June 22, 2021. https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/foot-problems

[6] Gershman, Steven, “The Difference Between Diabetic Shoes and Regular Shoes, OrthoFeet, February 4, 2019. https://www.orthofeet.com/blogs/news/the-difference-between-diabetic-shoes-and-regular-shoes

[7] Burns, Jasmine, “Diabetes Shoes: How to Find the Right Diabetic Shoes,” The Diabetes Council.com, Accessed October 13, 2024. https://www.thediabetescouncil.com/best-shoes-for-diabetes/