Toenail fungus and diabetes can go hand in hand with each other. Toenail fungus is common in adults and seniors, athletes, those with compromised immunity, and a number of preexisting health conditions. One of the groups in which toenail fungus is especially common is those with diabetes. In fact, one-third of people with diabetes are afflicted by nail fungus or toenail fungus. 

People with Diabetes

So why is it that toenail fungus is so common in people with diabetes? For starters, people with diabetes have reduced oxygen flow to the extremities, making these areas hubs for infection. Toenail fungus is already more common than nail fungus in the general population. This is because the feet tend to sweat and be enclosed more than the hands. On top of this, people with diabetes often develop peripheral neuropathy. This causes damage to nerves in the hands and feet. Also, it causes them to lose sensation in the extremities.

So, even if they do catch toenail fungus, they may not feel any changes to their feet, and while they may notice changes to their fingernails early on, they may not visually spot changes from toenail fungus until much later. This is why diabetics are so prone not only to toenail fungus, but many other foot conditions, such as foot ulcers, blisters, corns, calluses, bunions, and more. 

Toenail Fungus Infection

Toenail Fungus in Diabetic Patients

As you may already know, if you have diabetes, you are at high risk of experiencing nerve damage in your feet. This is why you may not notice injuries, sores, and blisters. In the same vein, you may also overlook damage to the nails. And it may expose the nail bed underneath, and if left ignored, gives fungus an opportunity to infect your toenail. Diabetes also causes poor circulation in the feet, which sometimes results in the necessity for amputation. Reduced circulation also promotes fungal growth since white blood cells and antibodies are not reaching the nail to fight the infection. 

Even in healthy individuals, the fungus can spread to other parts of the body. This is especially true in the case of diabetes, and if left untreated, toenail fungus can cause other health problems. This is because the body’s defense system is already compromised. Ultimately, if the infection escalates too far, amputation may be necessary. 

While toenail fungus is more aggressive and difficult to treat with diabetes, it is not impossible. To begin with, you should visit a podiatrist once a year to ensure that your feet are in good health. If you do happen to catch a toenail fungus infection, over-the-counter measures or oral medication are unlikely to do the job since they are only minimally effective.

Why Diabetics Are More Vulnerable

Diabetes can affect your feet in several ways that make fungal infections more likely:

  • Reduced Circulation: Prolonged periods of high blood sugar levels can reduce blood flow to your feet. This slows healing and makes it harder for your body to fight off infections.
  • Nerve Damage: Many people with diabetes develop neuropathy, causing numbness in the feet. This means you might not notice small cuts or injuries around your nails, allowing fungus to enter.
  • Decreased Immune Response: Diabetes can weaken your immune system, making it more difficult to clear infections. This includes fungal infections embedded in the toenails.

Because of these factors, even a minor toenail infection can linger, worsen, and lead to discomfort. These thickened toenails are uncomfortable, and in severe cases, infections can affect the surrounding skin or deeper tissues.

How to prevent toenail fungus

So if you have diabetes, what can you do to keep toenail fungus at bay? Normal prevention steps include avoiding exposure at places that are known for spreading toenail fungus by wearing shoes at pools, public showers, and saunas. Make sure your shoes and socks are always clean and dry, and alternate shoes instead of wearing the same pair every day. It is important to have regular checkups with a podiatrist if you have diabetes, not only for toenail fungus but other potential podiatric problems. Make sure to inform your podiatrist at the first suspicion you have of toenail fungus. 

Why Treating Toenail Fungus Matters

For most, toenail fungus is only a cosmetic nuisance; however, for those with diabetes, an untreated fungal infection can develop into much more than that. Thick, brittle nails can make it harder to walk comfortably, causing pain with pressure in shoes. This can increase the risk of developing ulcers or secondary infections. Treating toenail fungus promptly helps prevent these issues while supporting overall foot health.

Traditional Treatments vs. Laser Therapy

Traditional treatments for toenail fungus include topical creams and oral antifungal medications. While these can work for some patients, they have noticeable limitations:

  • Topical treatments often cannot penetrate the toenail deeply enough to reach the infection. Topical treatments cure toenail fungus less than 5% of the time. But topical medication is great when used to prevent reinfections.
  • Oral antifungal medications can interact with other medications and can impede liver metabolism: a prominent concern for people managing diabetes. Among other side effects, some patients have also reported rashes and headaches from routine treatment with oral antifungals. And most severe side effects include liver failure.

This is where laser nail therapy comes in as a game-changer.

Why Laser Therapy is Ideal for Diabetic Patients

During laser nail therapy with our PinPointe™ FootLaser®, the fungus is safely and painlessly removed from a patient’s nail. In over 80% of cases, patients only require one treatment session to completely remove the fungus. This cutting-edge method is an efficient option for treating toenail fungus in diabetic patients. Here’s why: 

  • No Drug Interactions: Unlike antibiotics and other capsular treatments, laser nail therapy does not involve taking any medications; it will not interfere with your diabetes medications or other prescriptions.
  • Safe and Non-Invasive: Laser treatment is a targeted, local therapy that uses gentle light energy to penetrate the nail and destroy the fungus at its source without harming surrounding tissues.
  • Comfortable and Quick: Most patients report only a warm sensation during treatment, and the treatment usually concludes in an hour. There is no downtime, so you can walk out and continue your day immediately.
  • No Systemic Side Effects: Since laser therapy does not involve medication, there are no risks of liver complications or other side effects associated with oral antifungals.
  • Effective Results: The PinPointe™ FootLaser® is FDA-cleared for treating toenail fungus and has helped many patients see clearer, healthier nails grow out over time.

Podiatrist Treating Toenail Carefully

Toenail Fungus Laser Treatment

At our clinics, we understand the unique concerns of diabetic patients and are committed to helping you care for your feet safely. We offer free consultations with our medical doctors. Our doctor will examine your toenails, answer all your questions, and explain whether laser treatment is the right option for you.

If you have diabetes and notice thickened, discolored, or brittle toenails, don’t wait. Taking preventative action now can help you reduce future complications and keep your feet healthy.

The most effective treatment for toenail fungus is using the FDA-approved PinPointe laser. Our nail doctor in Charlotte, NC, recommends this treatment. The PinPointe Laser treatment has the highest cure rate in the market. It has no side effects and no recovery period. As a result, you can go about your daily activities right after the treatment. Also, it is not painful.

If you have any of these signs of toenail fungus, call us at (800) 672-0625 or visit our website for more information on our doctors at one of our over 160 locations.