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Cutting the nails in the diabetic foot: better not to improvise

3 min · Dr. Romina Orsetti


In brief

  • In the diabetic foot even a small cut can heal with difficulty: take the utmost care.
  • Straight nails, good light, no pointed scissors in the corners.
  • Never force ingrown or thickened nails or corns: no DIY.
  • Relying on the podiatrist is the safest choice and prevents complications.

In diabetes, cutting the nails may seem a trivial task, but it calls for care: the priority is safety and preventing small wounds.

Why is the DIY approach risky?

Diabetic neuropathy can reduce sensitivity: a small cut can go unnoticed and, with circulation slowed down by arterial disease, struggle to heal. So a routine gesture can open the door to an infection.

What practical precautions?

  • Cut in good light, after washing when the nail is softer.
  • Cut straight, without rounding or digging into the corners (risk of onychocryptosis, the ingrown toenail).
  • Gently file the sharp edges instead of cutting them right down.
  • Don’t use pointed objects in the corners and don’t remove hyperkeratosis yourself.
If you have thick or yellow nails, reduced eyesight, reduced sensitivity or you notice redness and pain, don’t persist: turn to the podiatrist. A check-up is always better than a complication.

Why is the podiatrist the better option?

The podiatrist works in protected conditions, manages difficult nails and immediately spots the signs you shouldn’t overlook, avoiding more invasive treatments. See also the correct way to cut the nails and the early signs of the diabetic foot. Further reading on the Italian Ministry of Health website.

Frequently asked questions

Why is DIY cutting risky in diabetes?
Because reduced sensitivity can hide small cuts that struggle to heal and may become infected. A trivial gesture can turn into a problem.
How should I cut my nails if I have diabetes?
Straight, without rounding the corners, in good light and without forcing into the corners. When in doubt, it is safer to rely on the podiatrist.
Is it better to do it myself or see the podiatrist?
If you can’t see well, have thick nails or reduced sensitivity, the podiatrist is the safest choice: they work in protected conditions and immediately notice any warning signs.

Concerned about your feet? Let’s talk

An assessment with a podiatrist catches the problem early and prevents complications. Prevention is better than cure: book in Osimo or Villa Musone di Loreto.

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