Diabetes and heart disease often occur together. The American Heart Association (AHA) notes adults with diabetes “are significantly more likely to develop cardiovascular disease,” and the American Diabetes Association (ADA) calls cardiovascular disease “the leading cause of death among people with diabetes.” Feet can show early warning signs of these conditions.

Diabetes can damage nerves and blood vessels. The ADA explains that “diabetic peripheral neuropathy is one of the most common complications of diabetes,” causing numbness, tingling, or reduced pain sensation. Minor injuries may go unnoticed. Meanwhile, the AHA identifies peripheral artery disease (PAD) as narrowing of arteries, which “reduces blood flow to the legs and feet,” slowing healing and raising infection risk. When neuropathy and PAD occur together, foot complications can escalate.

Both organizations stress early recognition: cold feet or decreased temperature may indicate poor circulation, swelling in ankles or feet can signal heart failure, leg pain during walking (claudication) is a PAD symptom, and slow-healing wounds or skin discoloration require immediate attention.

The ADA recommends “annual comprehensive foot exams,” daily self-checks, tight blood sugar control, and prompt evaluation of ulcers. The AHA advises controlling blood pressure, managing cholesterol, maintaining healthy weight, quitting smoking, and staying active. These steps lower both cardiovascular and foot risks.

Seek urgent care for sudden severe foot discoloration, signs of infection, rapid swelling, chest pain with leg symptoms, or new severe leg pain. Both ADA and AHA agree that early intervention “significantly reduces the risk of permanent damage.” Feet often reveal systemic vascular problems. Protecting them is essential: “Foot complications are preventable with early detection and proper management,” says the ADA, while the AHA warns that PAD “is a serious cardiovascular condition that should not be overlooked.”