Heel PainDiabetes, also known as diabetes mellitus, is metabolic disease characterized by high blood sugar (glucose) levels, which result from defects in insulin secretion, action or both. Symptoms of diabetes may be detected in the feet and diabetes can have numerous negative effects on the feet. These include neuropathy, altered circulation, ulcerations, infections and sometimes amputation. Medical evaluation and treatment of any acute or chronic foot condition by your podiatrist can lessen the occurrence of diabetic complications.