At Happy Feet Hub, our mission is simple: keeping feet healthy, happy, and pain-free. But when it comes to diabetes, foot health is not just about comfort—it can be the difference between mobility and amputation. Sadly, Black communities are disproportionately affected by diabetes complications, including severe foot problems. In this blog, we’ll explore why these disparities exist, what signs to look for, and how proactive foot care can save lives.
Why Diabetes Affects the Feet
Diabetes is more than “high sugar levels.” Over time, high blood glucose can damage blood vessels and nerves. In the feet, this leads to two main problems:
- Peripheral neuropathy – reduced sensation or numbness in the feet, meaning small injuries often go unnoticed.
- Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) – poor blood circulation, which slows healing and increases the risk of infections.
Together, these conditions mean that a small blister, cut, or sore can quickly turn into a serious ulcer. If untreated, this can progress to gangrene and amputation.
The Reality: Black Communities Face Higher Risks
Research shows that Black patients are at higher risk of severe foot complications from diabetes, and more likely to undergo lower-limb amputation compared with white patients.
- A review in the International Journal of Diabetes and Clinical Research found that many amputations in diabetic patients are preventable with earlier intervention—but that Black patients face higher rates of limb loss due to systemic inequalities in care (ClinMed Journals, 2020).
- Another study reported that Black patients often present with more severe diabetic foot ulcers and peripheral arterial disease, due to delays in referral and treatment (SAGE Journals, 2024).
In short: too many people in our community are being seen too late.
Why the Disparities?
Several factors contribute to this unequal burden:
- Delayed diagnosis & referral
Black patients are less likely to be referred to podiatry specialists early, meaning problems escalate before help is given. - Health literacy & awareness gaps
Studies show that while many African Americans with diabetes know the basics of foot care, they may lack access to extended knowledge—like recognising signs of infection or when to demand urgent care (PubMed, 2018). - Barriers to healthcare
Cost of treatment, location of services, and mistrust of the healthcare system all reduce access to timely podiatric care. - Systemic and provider bias
Evidence suggests racial bias affects the urgency and quality of care that Black patients receive.
Signs You Should Never Ignore
If you or a loved one has diabetes, check your feet daily. Seek urgent care if you notice:
- Cuts or sores that don’t heal
- Swelling, redness, or warmth in one foot
- Black or blue areas of skin (sign of poor circulation)
- Numbness, tingling, or burning sensations
- Ingrown toenails or fungal infections that worsen
Remember: a small issue today could prevent a hospital stay tomorrow.
How to Protect Your Feet if You Have Diabetes
Here are evidence-based steps you can take:
- Daily self-checks
Look for blisters, redness, or skin changes. Use a mirror for the soles or ask a family member to help. - Choose the right shoes
Wear properly fitted shoes that protect against pressure points. Avoid walking barefoot, even indoors. - Moisturise, but carefully
Keep feet moisturised to prevent cracks, but avoid applying cream between the toes (as this can encourage fungal infections). - Manage your blood sugar
Good glucose control reduces the risk of nerve and blood vessel damage. - See a podiatrist regularly
At Happy Feet Hub, we recommend routine checks every 3–6 months for people with diabetes.
What Clinics (and Happy Feet Hub) Can Do Better
The sad truth is that disparities won’t close unless healthcare providers actively address them. At Happy Feet Hub, we are committed to:
- Culturally sensitive care – understanding the beliefs and challenges faced by Black patients and addressing them respectfully.
- Community outreach – running workshops and education sessions in local Black communities to raise awareness about foot care.
- Early intervention – encouraging GPs and diabetes nurses to refer Black patients sooner, not later.
- Advocacy – working to ensure every patient, regardless of race, gets equal access to life-saving podiatry services.
A Call to Action
Amputations are not inevitable. In fact, up to 80% of diabetes-related amputations are preventable with early, consistent foot care (ClinMed Journals, 2020).
If you’re living with diabetes—or if you care for someone who is—make foot checks part of your daily routine. And if you’re part of the Black community, know that you deserve proactive, respectful, and attentive care. Don’t wait until problems become emergencies.
At Happy Feet Hub, we are here to help keep your feet healthy, strong, and—above all—happy.