Why Bad Advice About Diabetic Hygiene Won’t Go Away
Diabetic hygiene—it’s one of those things that should be simple, right? Clean feet, moisturize skin, check for wounds. Simple. But here’s the thing: advice about diabetic hygiene is like sand in the wind—it’s all over the place, and most of it is downright bad. It’s easy to get swept up in the nonsense, especially when it’s coming from well-meaning friends, family, or that random person who thinks they have all the answers on the internet.
I get it—there’s a lot of noise. The problem is, bad advice about diabetic hygiene spreads like wildfire. It’s tempting, it’s quick, and it’s easy to believe. So what happens? We get stuck. We end up ignoring the stuff that really matters and buying into the “quick fix” solutions that leave us with more problems than we started with. But no more.
We’re here to cut through the clutter, call out the terrible advice, and get back to the basics of diabetic hygiene. Ready to toss the bad advice and get serious about your health? Let’s dive in.
Bad Advice #1: “Just Soak Your Feet in Warm Water to Fix Everything”
The Advice
Oh, this one. It’s one of the oldest tricks in the book: “Just soak your feet in warm water, and everything will be fine.” It sounds harmless enough, doesn’t it? You picture yourself kicking back in a warm bath with a book, your feet getting pampered like a day at the spa. Relax, right? Wrong.
Why It’s Ridiculous
Soaking your feet in warm water isn’t the worst thing in the world, but when you’re diabetic, it’s a huge no-no. Why? Because if you have neuropathy (which many diabetics do), you can’t feel how hot or cold the water really is. So what happens? You might accidentally burn your feet without even realizing it, leading to blisters, infections, or worse. The skin on your feet can dry out, crack, or even get worse because of the prolonged exposure. And soaking your feet for hours on end? Not only will it dry your skin out, but it also gives bacteria a nice warm place to thrive.
And let’s not even talk about Epsom salt baths. Sure, they feel good, but they don’t fix anything. They’re a temporary distraction, but they don’t solve the root cause of any real foot issues.
The Reality
Soaking your feet for too long is a risky move for diabetics. Instead, wash your feet daily with lukewarm water—nothing too hot or cold. Keep your feet dry, especially between the toes (which, spoiler alert, is where most infections start). If you have wounds or cuts, don’t soak them. Moisturize them, but don’t sit around in water all day. And for the love of all things holy, no Epsom salt miracle cures. Regular checks and proper care go much further.
Bad Advice #2: “Just Skip Foot Checks Today—It’s Not That Big a Deal”
The Advice
“Eh, it’s just one day. I’ll skip the foot check today—what’s the worst that could happen?” This is like saying, “I’ll just skip the car maintenance this month; I’ll deal with it later.” Sure, it’s tempting, but the consequences? Not worth it.
Why It’s Ridiculous
Let’s be blunt here: skipping a foot check—even once—is dangerous. Diabetic feet need constant attention because nerve damage can prevent you from feeling pain or noticing injuries. The thing is, you might not even know something is wrong until it’s way too late. That tiny cut you ignored? It could turn into a serious infection if left untreated. Your foot’s like a ticking time bomb if you don’t check it regularly—there could be cracks, sores, or infections brewing that you don’t even feel yet.
If you don’t check your feet every day, it’s like leaving the door open and hoping nothing bad happens. You can’t afford to take that risk. Diabetic feet need care and attention, and skipping checks is setting yourself up for disaster. It’s a big deal.
The Reality
Foot checks are a non-negotiable part of diabetic care. Do it every single day—look for cuts, blisters, redness, or swelling. Check between your toes, too! If you don’t feel pain due to neuropathy, don’t just assume everything’s fine. Even if everything looks good, get a second opinion from your doctor at regular checkups to stay ahead of the game.
Bad Advice #3: “It’s Okay to Eat Whatever You Want, Just Take More Insulin”
The Advice
“Don’t worry about that sugary dessert. Just take a little more insulin to cover it!” Oh, this one. It’s like people think insulin is some magic potion that can erase bad habits. Spoiler alert: It can’t. No amount of insulin is going to fix the problems caused by a poor diet.
Why It’s Ridiculous
Sure, insulin is important, and it helps regulate blood sugar levels, but it’s not a free pass to eat whatever you want. If you’re constantly eating high-sugar foods or processed crap and just trying to “cover” it with more insulin, you’re ignoring the long-term damage you’re doing to your body. The truth is, your diet directly impacts your overall health—insulin can’t fix that. If you’re regularly spiking your blood sugar, you’re setting yourself up for heart disease, nerve damage, kidney problems, and a host of other complications.
Insulin is a tool, not a crutch. You can’t just “insulin your way out” of a bad diet. Your body doesn’t work like that. A good diet supports insulin, but poor eating habits will ultimately lead to more problems than insulin can solve.
The Reality
Stop thinking you can eat junk and just cover it up with more insulin. A healthy, balanced diet is your best weapon against diabetes complications. Focus on eating whole foods, monitoring your carbohydrate intake, and maintaining a balanced diet. Insulin is a tool, but it won’t replace a healthy lifestyle.
Bad Advice #4: “Just Use Regular Lotion—It’ll Keep Your Skin Hydrated”
The Advice
“Just slather on some regular lotion, and you’re good to go. It’ll keep your skin from getting dry and cracking!” No, it won’t. Not for diabetics.
Why It’s Ridiculous
Sure, regular lotion works for people with healthy skin. But diabetics? Not so much. Diabetic skin tends to be drier and more prone to cracking because of nerve damage and circulation issues. The regular lotion? It’s just not enough. Most lotions aren’t formulated to handle the special needs of diabetic skin, which requires extra hydration and moisture. Regular lotions don’t contain the ingredients needed to deeply penetrate dry, cracked skin and keep it properly moisturized.
This is the equivalent of trying to use a garden hose to fix a broken water pipe. It looks like it’ll work, but in reality, it’s just a bandaid on a bigger issue.
The Reality
Invest in a good diabetic-friendly moisturizer that’s specifically designed for the skin issues diabetics face. Look for lotions that contain ingredients like urea, which can help rehydrate dry skin and reduce cracking. Use them regularly, especially on your feet, elbows, and knees. Don’t rely on just any lotion—treat your skin with the respect it deserves.
Bad Advice #5: “Wear the Same Shoes Every Day—It’s No Big Deal”
The Advice
“Just wear the same shoes every day—comfort is key. You don’t need to switch it up. Your feet will get used to them.” Oh, sure. Because we all know how well wearing the same shoes every day works out. Not at all.
Why It’s Ridiculous
Your feet aren’t one-size-fits-all. Wearing the same shoes every day, without considering foot health, is just asking for trouble. Diabetic feet are more vulnerable to blisters, calluses, and even ulcers. Your shoes need to be comfortable, supportive, and allow for breathing. Wearing the same pair, day in and day out, can create pressure points and cause irritation that can lead to bigger problems. And those “comfy shoes”? Over time, they lose their support and cushioning, meaning they’re no longer doing your feet any favors.
The Reality
You need shoes that fit well, offer support, and allow your feet to breathe. Switch it up and make sure you’re not wearing the same shoes every day. If you need to, get custom orthotics to protect your feet from pressure and friction. Your feet will thank you in the long run.
Don’t Fall for the Quick Fix—Get the Real Deal
There you have it. The worst, most common advice about diabetic hygiene, broken down and debunked. The simple truth? Managing diabetes and keeping your feet healthy isn’t about shortcuts, magic fixes, or relying on half-baked advice. It’s about real, proactive care—checking your feet, moisturizing properly, eating a balanced diet, and paying attention to your body’s warning signs.
So, next time someone tells you to “just soak your feet” or “skip the check today,” you know what to do. Cut through the noise. Focus on what works. Your health—and your feet—deserve it.