What is the recommended technique for trimming diabetic patients' toenails?

• A. Trim nails straight across.
• B. Round nail corners.
• C. Cut nails very short.
• D. Trim nails diagonally.

Answer: (A)

In diabetes, protecting the toes from infection and injury is the priority, because neuropathy and poor circulation can hide problems and slow healing. Trimming nails straight across creates a flat, even edge that grows outward rather than curling into the surrounding skin. Rounding the corners or trimming diagonally can push nail edges into the soft tissue, increasing the risk of ingrown nails and infection, which is particularly concerning in someone with diabetes. Cutting nails very short removes a protective barrier and can awaken pain or bleed if the skin is damaged. Therefore, the best technique is to trim nails straight across with smooth edges and avoid shaping the corners or cutting too close to the nail bed.