A diabetic foot exam is a structured check of the skin, nails, shape, sensation, reflexes, and blood flow in the feet of a person with diabetes.
Diabetes can damage nerves and reduce blood flow in the feet. This raises the risk that a small injury develops into an ulcer, which is an open sore, or an infection. Finding problems early can guide preventive care and follow-up.
The exam checks the skin and nails for wounds or infection, looks at the shape of the feet, and assesses circulation. It also checks reflexes and sensation using simple tools or touch.
Nerve damage can reduce the ability to feel pain, pressure, heat, or injury. A lack of pain therefore does not rule out a wound or other foot problem.
The findings help estimate the risk of ulcers and infection. Depending on the result, next steps may include foot-care advice, more frequent checks, treatment of a problem, or referral for specialist care.

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