Written by Chris Riley · Medically reviewed by the CircuFiber Scientific Advisory Board · Updated: October 28, 2026

Cracked feet and cracked heels are a common skin complication of diabetes. High blood sugar over time damages the nerves and blood vessels of the feet, which leaves the skin dry and less able to stay supple, so cracks (heel fissures) form more easily. Cracked heels are not a diagnosis of diabetes on their own, but in people with diabetes they matter more than a cosmetic problem: deep cracks can let bacteria in, and reduced sensation means you may not notice them until an infection has started.

Key Takeaways

• Diabetes causes cracked feet mainly through poor circulation, which reduces the skin's natural oils and moisture, and diabetic peripheral neuropathy, which reduces sensation so cracks go unnoticed.
• Early signs are dry, flaky skin on the heels, itching, red or flaky patches, and fine visible cracks that can deepen into painful fissures.
• Daily care prevents most cracks: wash feet in warm (not hot) water, dry them well, apply a fragrance-free moisturizer to the heels and soles but not between the toes, and wear closed, well-fitting shoes.
• Avoid long foot soaks, hot water, and cutting or shaving hard skin at home, because these dry the skin further or create wounds you may not feel.
• Deep or bleeding heel fissures need a podiatrist, as do cracks that are red, warm, swollen, or draining.

Are cracked heels a sign of diabetes?

Cracked heels can be associated with diabetes, but on their own they do not mean you have it. Dry, cracked heels are very common in people without diabetes, caused by dry weather, standing for long periods, open-backed shoes, or simply skin type. In people who already have diabetes, however, cracked feet are one of the most common skin-related complications, and they deserve closer attention because of the higher risk of infection. If you have persistently dry, cracked feet together with other symptoms such as increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, slow-healing cuts, or tingling and numbness in the feet, ask your doctor about a blood sugar test.

Why does diabetes cause cracked feet?

Diabetes causes cracked feet because constant high blood sugar levels damage the nerves and blood vessels of the feet, leading to dry and cracked skin. In the long term, these cracks or fissures can lead to serious infections if they're not taken care of. Diabetes comes with many complications, and cracked feet can be one of them. When we talk about diabetes, we often focus on high blood sugar levels and insulin resistance, but the impact on the feet matters just as much.

Poor circulation dries out the skin

High blood sugar often contributes to poor blood circulation. When blood flow to your feet is limited, it can lead to dry and cracked skin. This is because the natural oils and moisture in your skin can decrease when there's inadequate blood flow. Practical steps for improving foot circulation with diabetes help the skin as well as the feet overall.

Nerve damage hides the problem

High glucose levels can damage your nerves over time, a condition known as diabetic peripheral neuropathy. This may result in losing sensation in your feet. Hence, you might not feel the pain associated with dry and cracked feet until the problem has become severe.

Why are cracked feet dangerous for people with diabetes?

Cracked feet are dangerous for people with diabetes because neglected cracks can deepen, eventually allowing bacteria to enter and cause infections. If left untreated, this could lead to dire consequences, including amputation. Hence, it's imperative to take early and consistent steps towards foot care. Cracked feet aren't just uncomfortable; they can also pose a significant health risk if you have diabetes. Here's why this is concerning:

This is all a big deal because diabetes management is not just about controlling blood sugar. It's a whole-body approach, including foot care.

What are the symptoms of cracked feet with diabetes?

The symptoms of cracked feet with diabetes start with unusually dry skin and progress to visible cracks and pain. Cracked feet, also known as heel fissures in the medical parlance, present a certain set of symptoms. Recognizing the early signs isn't just crucial; it can be decisive in managing diabetes-related foot problems.

• Dry and Flaky Skin: The first sign to watch out for is unusually dry skin on the feet. It generally appears on the heel and between the toes.
• Itchy Sensation: Persistent itchiness in the foot area may be a sign of dryness and crack development (see itchy feet and diabetes).
• Visible Cracks or Fissures: Cracks may form, and if left unattended, they may progress into deeper fissures.
• Red or Flaky Patches: These may indicate skin irritation or the beginning of a crack.
• Tenderness or Pain: If the cracks deepen, the feet may become tender and painful.

These signs may appear one by one or all together. If ignored, they may lead to a host of complications, ranging from infections to foot ulcers, which are notoriously hard to heal in people with diabetes.

How do you treat and prevent cracked feet with diabetes?

You treat and prevent cracked feet with diabetes through daily moisturizing, gentle cleaning, the right footwear, regular foot exams, and good blood sugar control. Prevention is always better than cure, and it couldn't be more true when it comes to keeping our feet healthy. Proper care and regular check-ups can help mitigate these issues.

Moisturize every day

Hydration is the basic first step. Our skin needs water to stay supple and prevent drying, so drinking plenty of water throughout the day is our first line of defense. Then, there's the topical hydration. Applying a good quality, fragrance-free moisturizer onto our feet every day can significantly help to prevent cracks. Apply it to the heels, soles and tops of the feet, but not between the toes, where extra moisture can encourage fungal infection. For product options, see the best lotions for diabetic feet.

Wash gently instead of soaking

Washing your feet daily in warm water with mild soap keeps them clean without stripping the skin. Long soaks are not recommended for people with diabetes, because they dry the skin out and can make cracking worse. A simple daily routine:

• Test the water with your elbow or a thermometer first; it should be warm, never hot.
• Use a mild soap to clean your feet, and keep the wash brief.
• Gently pat your feet dry with a soft towel, especially between the toes.
• Apply moisturizer.

Do not cut, shave, or use chemical removers on thick or hard skin at home. A podiatrist can safely reduce thickened skin around heel cracks; read more about diabetic foot callus prevention and treatment.

Wear the right footwear

The right footwear protects cracked skin from further damage. It's important to avoid open-toed shoes or sandals, which expose our feet to environmental damage. On top of that, ill-fitting shoes can cause pressure points and friction, contributing to cracked skin. Look for closed, cushioned shoes with room for the toes, such as men's diabetic shoes for swollen feet, and never go barefoot.

Keep blood sugar in your target range

Keeping an eye on blood sugar levels is the long-term fix. High blood sugar can lead to dry skin and make us more susceptible to cracks and infections. Monitoring glucose levels regularly, and making appropriate dietary and lifestyle adjustments, can make all the difference (why checking your blood sugar matters).

Get regular foot exams

Having regular foot exams with a healthcare professional is another crucial preventive measure. These exams can spot signs of potential problems early, giving us the best chance at avoiding future complications. Here is what a diabetic foot exam involves.

By incorporating these preventive measures into our daily routine, we're making strides in safeguarding the health of our feet. Remember, self-care isn't a luxury in managing diabetes; it's a necessity.

Can diabetic socks help with cracked feet?

Diabetic socks can help protect cracked feet as part of a daily foot-care routine, though they do not replace moisturizing or medical care. A good diabetic sock keeps feet dry and cushioned, is seamless to reduce friction against fragile skin, and has a non-binding top that does not squeeze the calf or restrict blood flow. For a detailed comparison, see our guide to diabetic socks vs. compression socks.

CircuFiber diabetic socks are woven with Circulight® IR fibers containing thermoreactive mineral particles that absorb your own body heat and reflect it back into the foot as far-infrared energy, which promotes a temporary increase in local blood flow and circulation. In a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial at Yale School of Medicine (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04460612, published in Diabetes & Vascular Disease Research, 2023), the active textile significantly increased transcutaneous oxygen in the feet of people with diabetes compared with a placebo sock, with the difference visible at 40 minutes and significant at 60 minutes. CircuFiber socks also carry the APMA Seal of Acceptance.

When should you see a doctor about cracked feet?

See a podiatrist if your heel fissures are deep or bleeding, or if any crack is red, warm, swollen, painful, or draining, because these are signs of possible infection. If you notice non-healing sores, increased pain, or changes in skin color or temperature, it's critical to seek medical attention right away. An important aspect of managing diabetes and foot health is keeping up with regular check-ups; don't shy away from seeking professional help. Your healthcare provider can help you maintain control over your blood sugar levels and offer personalized advice for foot care. Not sure who to see? Read about choosing a diabetic foot specialist.

Frequently asked questions about cracked feet and diabetes

Does diabetes cause cracked heels?

Yes, diabetes can cause cracked heels. Reduced blood flow lowers the natural oils and moisture in the skin, and nerve damage can also affect the skin's ability to stay hydrated, so the thick skin of the heel dries out and splits under pressure. Many people without diabetes also get cracked heels, so the symptom alone is not a diagnosis.

Are dry, cracked feet a sign of diabetes?

Dry, cracked feet can be one sign among others, but they are far more often caused by dry weather, footwear, or skin type. If cracked feet come with increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, slow-healing cuts, or numbness and tingling, ask your doctor for a blood sugar test.

What is the best way to treat cracked heels with diabetes?

The best way is daily washing in warm (not hot) water, thorough drying, and a fragrance-free moisturizer on the heels every day, plus closed, well-fitting shoes. Skip long soaks and never cut or shave hard skin yourself. Deep, bleeding, or infected cracks should be treated by a podiatrist.

Can cracked heels lead to infection in people with diabetes?

Yes. Deep cracks break the skin barrier and can let bacteria in, and with neuropathy you may not feel the crack or the early infection. Untreated infections can develop into foot ulcers, which is why cracks that are red, warm, swollen, or draining need prompt medical attention.

Should people with diabetes soak cracked feet?

No, long foot soaks are generally not recommended for people with diabetes. Soaking dries out the skin and can make cracking worse, and hot water is a burn risk if sensation is reduced. A short daily wash followed by drying and moisturizing is safer.

References, studies and sources

• American Diabetes Association. Foot Complications. https://diabetes.org/about-diabetes/complications/foot-complications
• National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). Diabetes and Foot Problems. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/preventing-problems/foot-problems
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Diabetes and Your Feet. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/diabetes-complications/diabetes-and-your-feet.html
• Cleveland Clinic. Diabetic Feet. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21510-diabetic-feet
• Yale School of Medicine. Randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial of an infrared textile on transcutaneous oxygen in people with diabetes. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04460612. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04460612

Healthcare disclaimer: Always consult your physician before beginning any program. This general information is not intended to diagnose any medical condition or to replace your healthcare professional. If you experience any pain or difficulty, stop and consult your healthcare provider. CircuFiber socks are a general wellness product intended to promote a temporary increase in local blood flow and circulation; they are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Individual results vary.