Hi everyone, I just started a new group for diabetics who love cycling. Feel free to join and share your thoughts, questions, opinions or whatever. 
Hey Mike,
I think this is a great idea. I am a cycling coach by profession and were reading some of the strings and the advice for the most part was pretty dead on. I have worked with athletes with diabetes and any way I can help I will.
Josh
jgold@fit4d.com
www.fit4d.com
Hi, I just joined the forums. I've been having some issues with my left foot, second toe(also some bruising of the big toe on the left foot). I use toe-clips and sneakers and I think the clips and soft sole of the sneaker are creating the issue. I also may have contributed to the issue since I'm a year round cyclist and with the extra layer of socks and the clips, it may have helped lead to the issue. I ride anywhere between 25 to 45 miles, usually 33 to 45 miles. Also, if I go 70 miles or more, I get a hot spot on the balls of my feet. I do have some neuropathy and lowered circulation, but I know when or if I've injured any part of my foot. It is not a matter or an injury and not knowing it is there. I'm wondering if I go to clipless pedals and shoes(with a large toe box), I might avoid the issue in the future. I am healing, but because I cycle 4 to 5 days a week, and have to force myself to take days off, the healing is slower than if I stayed off it, but it is healing fine.
Does anyone have recommendations for MTB clipless shoes with a large toebox? I ride a road bike, but want to use MTB shoes so I can walk in them rather than walk like a duck and slip & slide if wearing road shoes.
I use Shimano MTB shoes all the time now for touring and general riding, mostly so the cleat is recessed and protected, and I can use a single pair of shoes for riding in, and also going to dinner in later on without looking like some deranged ballet dancer. It also saves weight when touring by only needing the shoes I'm wearing. The toe box isn't the largest though and the sizing can generally be quiet small on the Shimano's, so would probably recommend a visit to your local good bike store to try a few out. Cleat wise I know some road pedals don't like MTB shoes though, so might be worth checking that the cleat will fit first before needing to buy new pedals that you are probably already accustomed too.
As for feet cooling never really had an issue with that thankfully, but I do use some of the Endura race socks which have odd vented parts in them. Seem to work wonders at keeping my feet cool. But having my feet or legs in general heal after knocks is not the fastest of processes sadly with or without continuing to ride, but think that's the usual issues of being D sadly. I do notice though tingles and cramp very occasionally if I'm not keeping up on my hydration and using hydration tabs. Not sure if that may or may not be connected to your hot spots though or what you do hydration wise.