What do diabetic toe nails look like?

Author: Zack Sawayn  |  Last update: Saturday, September 27, 2025

What to look for in diabetic toenails. The first toenail change you'll notice in diabetic patients is likely to be discoloration. Most have some yellowing of the nails, though the shade and involvement can vary. Discoloring may start at the distal edge (tip) and run all the way to the root of the nail bed.

What does a bad diabetic toe look like?

Look for cuts, redness, and other changes in the skin and toenails, including warts or other spots that your shoes could rub. Make sure to check the bottoms of your feet too.

What do diabetic fingernails look like?

4 White/yellow/greenish discolouration and thickening at the end of the nail spreads gradually to involve the whole nail which may be thick and brittle. The distorted nail can become sharp or break off, and can dig into neighbouring toes.

What do B12 deficiency nails look like?

Nail changes in vitamin B12 deficiency present as hyperpigmentation of nails like bluish discoloration of nails, blue-black pigmentation with dark longitudinal streaks, and longitudinal and reticulate darkened streaks. The nail pigmentation associated with B12 deficiency is more frequent in patients with dark skin.

How do you get rid of diabetic toenails?

Nail Debridement: A podiatrist can trim and thin the infected nails, reducing the fungal load and improving the effectiveness of topical or oral antifungal treatments.

with Sound - What do Diabetic Toenails Look Like Russian, Trimming Patient Toenails Podiatry office

What are three things you should never do to the feet of someone with diabetes?

To avoid hurting your skin, don't use a nail file, nail clipper or scissors on calluses, corns or warts. Don't use chemical wart removers. See your provider or foot specialist (podiatrist) to remove any of these issues. Cut your toenails carefully.

Should diabetics wear socks to bed?

Wear socks in bed if your feet are cold at night. Do not use a hot water bottle or heating pad on your feet. Always check your shoes before you put them on. Look and feel inside them for anything that could cause discomfort or injury, such as pebbles, a torn lining, or rough spots.

What does vitamin D deficiency look like in nails?

Fat-soluble vitamin deficiency (al. S. M., 2011) – Deficiencies specifically in vitamins A, D, E, and K typically will cause nails to be softer, termed hapalonychia. Yellow discoloration of the nails, not to be confused with onychomycosis, can occur with vitamin E deficiencies.

Which fruit is rich in vitamin B12?

There are ten major sources of vitamin B12 fruits. These are apples, bananas, oranges, mangoes, strawberries, guava, avocado, pomegranate, kiwi, and blueberries. Apples- Apples rank first in the vitamin B12 fruits list.

How to get rid of thick toenails quickly?

Treatment options for thick nails may include:
  1. prescription creams or ointments.
  2. oral medications.
  3. laser therapy or light therapy.
  4. injections.
  5. surgery to remove the nail and allow it to regrow.

Are jacket potatoes and baked beans ok for diabetics?

For example, some people with type 2 diabetes should limit carbohydrates and increase their intake of non-starchy vegetables. Starchy vegetables such as beans and potatoes contain carbohydrates, but that doesn't mean people with diabetes or insulin resistance must eliminate them completely.

What do liver failure nails look like?

Terry's nails is a type of nail discoloration. The nailbeds look “washed out,” except for a thin reddish-brown strip near the tip. Often, Terry's nails is a symptom of a chronic condition, such as liver failure or diabetes.

How to make toenails healthy again?

Some healthy habits you can practice are:
  1. 1 - Wash Your Feet Every Day. ...
  2. 2 - Keep Your Nails Trimmed. ...
  3. 3 - Choose Shoes Wisely. ...
  4. 4 - Go Easy On The Nail Polish. ...
  5. 5 - Don't Share Nail Care Tools. ...
  6. 6 - Wear The Right Socks. ...
  7. 7 - Choose Treatments with Antifungal Properties.

What three drinks should diabetics avoid?

What are the worst drinks for diabetes?
  • Fruit juice (unless treating low blood sugar)
  • Sweetened coffee or tea.
  • Sweetened sports drinks and energy drinks.
  • Regular soda.

What is a diabetic belly?

But that doesn't mean abdominal weight gain should be ignored. It can be an early sign of so-called "diabetic belly," a build-up of visceral fat in your abdomen which may be a symptom of type 2 diabetes and can increase your chances of developing other serious medical conditions.

What is sugar toes?

In Japanese acupuncture, bunions or osteoarthritis of the big too are referred to as “sugar toes.” They are so named because the theory behind their appearance is that excess sugar consumption, caused by the failure of the spleen to transform and transport sugar in foods, results in damp.

Which nut is high in B12?

Almonds are a nutritious nut that contains vitamin B12 along with other essential nutrients like fiber, protein, and healthy fats.

What blocks B12 absorption?

Conditions affecting the stomach

Some stomach conditions or stomach operations can prevent the absorption of enough vitamin B12. For example, a gastrectomy, a surgical procedure where part of your stomach is removed, increases your risk of developing a vitamin B12 deficiency.

What are 2 foods high in vitamin B12?

Good sources of vitamin B12
  • meat.
  • fish.
  • milk.
  • cheese.
  • eggs.
  • some fortified breakfast cereals.

What do iron deficiency nails look like?

Koilonychia is indented nails. Instead of growing straight, your nails look concave, like spoons. In many people, koilonychia is a sign of iron deficiency. Usually, you can get rid of spoon nails by treating the underlying cause.

How can I tell if my vitamin D is low?

Symptoms when vitamin D is low

Most people with vitamin D deficiency are asymptomatic. However, if you're exhausted, your bones hurt, you have muscle weakness or mood changes, that's an indication that something may be abnormal with your body.

What is the best shoe for a diabetic?

What are the Best Shoes for Diabetes?
  • Wear Wide-Fit Shoes.
  • Wear Shoes with Cushioned Soles.
  • Wear Flat or Low Heeled Shoes.
  • Wear Leather Shoes.
  • Wear Shoes which are Lace-Up or Adjustable.
  • Wear Shoes with Extra Depth.
  • Avoid Flip-Flops.

Why can't diabetics use hand warmers?

Check blood sugar levels

However if you have peripheral neuropathy in your hands or fingers with any changes in sensation it can be difficult to feel how hot things are. So don't hold a hot cup to warm your hands and if you use handwarmers check that they are suitable for you to use.

What is the first rule of diabetic foot care?

1. Inspect your feet daily. Check your feet for cuts, blisters, redness, swelling, or nail problems. Use a magnifying hand mirror to look at the bottom of your feet.

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