Diabetic Podiatry
Diabetes and foot health
Diabetes is a chronic condition which develops from a consistently high blood glucose (sugar) level, this leads to the the reduction of insulin production. Reduced insulin production means that the body is unable to convert glucose (sugar) into energy, leading to a many complications if not properly controlled or treated.
Diabetes is a chronic condition which develops from a consistently high blood glucose (sugar) level, this leads to the the reduction of insulin production. Reduced insulin production means that the body is unable to convert glucose (sugar) into energy, leading to a many complications if not properly controlled or treated.
What is Diabetes?
There are two forms of diabetes:
Type 1 Diabetes – This is due to a complete lack of effective insulin and usually present in children and before the age of 30. It is controlled by the use of insulin injections as well as diet and exercise.
Type 2 Diabetes – This is the most common type and is due to a relative lack of insulin production or the tissues in the body develop a resistance to insulin. It commonly affects those over 40 years old, however can be younger due to lifestyle choices. Type 2 diabetes is treated with diet control, exercise and commonly medication is required.
There are two forms of diabetes:
Type 1 Diabetes – This is due to a complete lack of effective insulin and usually present in children and before the age of 30. It is controlled by the use of insulin injections as well as diet and exercise.
Type 2 Diabetes – This is the most common type and is due to a relative lack of insulin production or the tissues in the body develop a resistance to insulin. It commonly affects those over 40 years old, however can be younger due to lifestyle choices. Type 2 diabetes is treated with diet control, exercise and commonly medication is required.
So how does this condition affect your feet?
If your diabetes is uncontrolled or untreated for an extended amount of time, the feet are unable to receive the nutrient rich blood required to supply the nerves and blood vessels. When your blood vessels are unable to to receive adequate blood supply, peripheral vascular disease is likely to develop which will leave the feet feeling cold. While this reduced blood flow to your nerves can lead to the development of peripheral neuropathy which is the diminished sensation within the feet, generalised pins and needles or a numb foot. These symptoms are important to manage the progression of which is why a Podiatrist is important. A perfect example is when a diabetic with reduced foot sensation steps on a piece of glass, they are unable to feel the glass and continue to walk around. This can lead to a wound being created and possible infection. If this occurs, than the patient would likely have to present to hospital and have a reduced quality of life while the wound healed.
If your diabetes is uncontrolled or untreated for an extended amount of time, the feet are unable to receive the nutrient rich blood required to supply the nerves and blood vessels. When your blood vessels are unable to to receive adequate blood supply, peripheral vascular disease is likely to develop which will leave the feet feeling cold. While this reduced blood flow to your nerves can lead to the development of peripheral neuropathy which is the diminished sensation within the feet, generalised pins and needles or a numb foot. These symptoms are important to manage the progression of which is why a Podiatrist is important. A perfect example is when a diabetic with reduced foot sensation steps on a piece of glass, they are unable to feel the glass and continue to walk around. This can lead to a wound being created and possible infection. If this occurs, than the patient would likely have to present to hospital and have a reduced quality of life while the wound healed.
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Video courtesy of DiabeTV retrieved from YouTube
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How a Podiatrist can help
As there is a large amount of complications related to diabetes, it is recommended that a annual check is performed. Rhodes Podiatrists can undertake this assessment to help detect any changes & maintanience early. Within this assessment our Podiatrist will look at:
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Handy hints to maintain diabetic foot health
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