What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a disease caused by either the body's inability to make insulin (type 1 diabetes) or by the body not responding to the effects of insulin (type 2 diabetes). Did you know around 280 Australian’s develop diabetes every day, which equates to one person every 5 minutes!

How does diabetes affect the feet?

Having diabetes may increase your risk of developing diabetes-related complications that include nerve damage called ‘peripheral neuropathy’ or poor circulation in your feet called ‘peripheral vascular disease’. Nerve damage affects your sensation and can lead to numbness in your feet and lower limb. Changes to your circulation can reduce your ability to heal cuts or sores. Did you know? Every 2 hours a person with diabetes has a lower limb removed as a direct result of diabetic foot disease? 80% of these amputations are preventable with best practice treatment and ongoing management.

Podiatrists perform a number of non-invasive vascular and neurological tests used in determining the presence of risk factors. Diabetes Australia recommends annual check-ups with a Podiatrist to assess the neurovascular health of the feet before a problem arises, and a report is then sent back to your GP.

What are the signs and symptoms?

Feet are often the first place to show diabetic-related symptoms. Therefore, it is so important to monitor your feet closely. Do you have cold feet, numbness, a sharp pain in your leg after walking, pins and needles, or any changes in foot colour, such as redder skin?

Also look for any nail changes, corns, calluses, cracked or dry skin.

Seek urgent care if you have any signs of an infection, or your skin starts to breakdown – such as via an ulcer or a crack in your heels.

Ways to look after your feet

  • Take care of your feet every day making sure they are clean and dry (including between your toes)
  • Check daily for any changes
  • Moisturise regularly
  • Keep toenails trimmed
  • Focus on well-fitting footwear. If required, your podiatrist can refer you for medical grade footwear through DVA
  • See your podiatrist regularly

What can you do?

To prevent future pro=blems, keep your blood sugar levels in their target range, exercise regularly, avoid smoking and keep up to date with regular appointments with your podiatrist and doctor.

Remember With nerve damage or altered sensation you may experience numbness in your feet. Cuts, blisters, ingrown toenails and corns may often go unnoticed. Reduced blood supply and poor circulation can slow down the healing process. PROTECT your feet from injury. INSPECT your feet everyday. Have your feet ASSESSED every year by your podiatrist.

Our Podiatrist at ATUNE can provide a comprehensive Diabetes Assessment which includes use of a Doppler Ultrasound to assess to the blood flow, as well as neurological tools to assess your nerve health.

Learn more about ATUNE Podiatry here.

Article written by ATUNE Podiatrist, Kirby Read.