Diabetes by David Webby

 

Diabetes is also a very common condition that can affect the feet. Diabetes is a systemic condition, where blood sugars are unable to be absorbed into the cells due to a lack of insulin, poor absorption, or other factors. The increase of glucose levels in the blood can have an affect on tissues and organ function throughout the body, leading to complications. People with diabetes are at a greater risk of developing serious foot problems because they are more likely to experience reduced blood circulation and nerve degeneration in their feet and legs, causing a decreased ability to fight infection, a reduction in healing, sensitivity and circulation in the feet and increased pressure areas.

Diabetes Australia recommends that people with diabetes visit a podiatrist at least once every 12 months for a diabetic assessment.

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As Podiatrist we are happy to assess your feet and give you advice in how to look after them better.

Healthy feet are a key to a happy life.

Diabetes and Foot related complications

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It is important to understand the signs and symptoms of foot complications, and educate patients of good foot care.

1/- Peripheral neuropathy and/or peripheral arterial disease are causative factors in diabetic foot ulcers

Peripheral neuropathy can be a common side effect for patients with Diabetes. This can cause loss of protective senitivity and numbness. People with Diabetes can experience pain and muscle weakness caused by Neuropathy.

Sometimes Injuries can go unnoticed and untreated for some time if the patient is unable to feel the problem.

 

2/- Peripheral Vascular Disease can cause a number of issues in the foot. A patient with PAD or poor circulation mayl have delayed wound healing leading to higher risks of infection. 

 

3/- Increased plantar pressures from foot deformities, such as bunions or hammer toes can make one more prone to callous and corns forming over bony prominences, that are more likely to break down to a pressure ulcer. 

 

4/- Inappropriate footwear can result in blisters, corns and calluses, which can break down, particularly with those who have Neuropathy.

Footwear education is extremely important to prevent injury. 

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Amputations

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Every year there are 10,000 hospital admissions in Australia for diabetes-related foot ulcers in Australia – many of these end with people having a limb, or part of a limb, amputated. 

There are more than 4,400 amputations every year in Australia as a result of diabetes. 

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How can we help?

 

Podiatrists are trained to undertake a comprehensive foot assessment including testing of sensitivity and circulation.

 

At Daniel Lewis Podiatry we provide a comprehensive test of circulation using non invasive equipment such as an ultrasound Doppler, and several sensitivity tests. We also assess your footwear for rubbing or uneven wear. We also provide general foot care; we cut toe nails and trim Calluses and corns as part of teaching you how to love and care for your feet.

 

Often Doctors will send us a referral for a Diabetic patient, through the Medicare ‘Enhanced Primary Care Plan’, giving you a higher rebate per service over the general extras health insurance scheme.  

See your GP for further information, or an assessment.

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Facts about Diabetes

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• 280 Australians develop diabetes every day. That’s one person every five minutes

• Around 1.7 million Australians have diabetes. This includes all types of diagnosed diabetes (1.2 million known and registered) as well as silent, undiagnosed type 2 diabetes (up to 500,000 estimated)

• More than 100,000 Australians have developed diabetes in the past year

• For every person diagnosed with diabetes there is usually a family member or carer who also ‘lives with diabetes’ every day in a support role. This means that an estimated 2.4 million Australians are affected by diabetes every day

• Total annual cost impact of diabetes in Australia estimated at $14.6 billion