The Holidays and Diabetic Feet: 5 Things to Watch For

The holidays can make it feel impossible to stick to your routine. Between the influx of sweet treats and travel, maintaining healthy eating habits and consistent workouts often take a backseat to celebrations and family time.

But for someone with diabetes, straying from your routine can be dangerous and lead to serious blood sugar imbalances that put your health at risk. Poor blood sugar control can reduce circulation to your feet and damage nerves, often causing even minor cuts or blisters to evolve into serious infections that are slow to heal.

At Cascade Foot & Ankle in Provo and Nephi, Utah, board-certified podiatric surgeon and wound care specialist Jared Clegg, DPM, FACFAS, and our team understand how challenging it can be to protect your foot health during the busy holiday season. 

Why diabetic feet need extra care during the holidays 

The holidays mean more time on your feet and less time focused on your health. When your blood sugar runs high, even for short periods, the effects on your feet compound quickly:

• Reduced sensation makes injuries easy to miss
• Weakened circulation hampers your body’s natural healing
• Fluid retention puts extra pressure on vulnerable areas
• Compromised skin becomes more prone to breakdown

Understanding how diabetes affects your feet is the first step. Now let’s look at the specific holiday hazards you need to watch for.

Top 5 foot problems to watch out for 

Holiday festivities create risks you might not see coming. Here’s what to look out for:

1. Swelling from excess salt and sugar 

Holiday meals are often loaded with sodium and carbs that can cause your feet and ankles to swell, making shoes tight and uncomfortable. This pressure can create sore spots that turn into wounds. 

2. Numbness that masks injury 

High blood sugar during holiday indulgence can worsen diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage), meaning you might not feel when new shoes rub blisters or when you step on something sharp while cooking or cleaning up after parties.

3. Slow-healing cuts from household mishaps 

With all the holiday cooking and decorating, minor cuts happen easily. But elevated blood sugar slows your body’s ability to heal, turning a small nick into a potential infection.

4. Cracked, dry skin from winter weather 

Cold air and indoor heating dry out your skin, creating cracks that become entry points for bacteria. 

5. Skipped foot checks during busy schedules 

When you’re rushing between gatherings and shopping, daily foot inspections often get forgotten. Missing even one day could mean overlooking an early problem that becomes serious.

Protect your feet this holiday season in Provo or Nephi, Utah

The holidays are hard enough without worrying about foot complications. Call Cascade Foot & Ankle Center or schedule an appointment online for a foot exam before the busy season hits, so we can address any concerns and help you get through the festivities safely.