What measure is recommended to prevent foot injuries in diabetic patients?

• A. Wearing shoes when standing or walking
• B. Daily foot checks
• C. Regular barefoot walking
• D. Vitamin supplements

Answer: (A)

In diabetes, protecting the feet from injury is essential because nerve damage can dull sensation, so small cuts or scrapes can go unnoticed and become serious ulcers. The most effective preventive measure is wearing protective footwear whenever the feet are in use—standing or walking. Shoes create a barrier against sharp objects, heat, and pressure, reducing the chance of skin breaks that can lead to ulcers.

Daily foot checks are important for catching problems early, but they don’t prevent injuries from occurring. Regular barefoot walking increases the risk of stepping on something or getting heat or friction injuries. Vitamin supplements don’t prevent foot injuries in diabetes. In practice, pair these with well-fitted, closed-toe shoes, inspect footwear for debris, and use appropriate insoles or diabetic footwear to offload pressure and protect vulnerable areas.