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 DEFINITION
and CAUSES – Diabetes mellitus is a serious
chronic disease, generally defined as excessive glucose
(sugar) in the blood. When diabetes is present, either
the body produces less or no insulin (Type 1) or the
body tissues are resistant to the effects of insulin
(Type 2). Insulin is a hormone that helps the body deal
with sugar (glucose) in the diet. Diabetes therefore
results in higher levels of glucose in the blood, which
can damage a whole range of body tissues and organs.
EFFECTS – Diabetes
can have important effects on the feet, effects that
can develop quickly or over several years:
 nerve
disease or neuropathy (loss of sensation), which
impairs sensation to the feet. This means that a diabetic
will no longer feel the pebble in his shoe or the corn
between his toes. This in turn can lead to injury, ulceration
and infection.
hypertension
and peripheral vascular disease among others,
leading to reduced blood supply. This “poor circulation”
means that the healing rate of skin or ulcers will be
slower.
CARE –
Ulcers need to be taken very seriously and treated promptly
as they can otherwise become infected and ultimately
lead to amputation in diabetics, whereas with proper
care they are totally preventable. Regular visits to
a Podiatrist are paramount.
STATISTICS
–
15
% of all people with diabetes will be affected by a
foot ulcer during their lifetime.
Up
to 85% of all amputations in relation to people with
diabetes are preceded by a foot ulcer.
50%
of the 2800 non-traumatic amputations that occur in
Australia each year are done on people with diabetes
because of poorly controlled diabetes!
It is therefore extremely important
for diabetics to:
Protect
their feet from injury by wearing well-fitting shoes
(soft, deep enough and broad enough,) by never walking
barefoot and always wearing socks with shoes.
Shake
out their shoes before wearing them.
Inspect
their feet daily (a podiatrist can show how).
See
a podiatrist every 3 to 6 months for a foot assessment
and to assist with corns, callouses and any nail problems
or if a wound or cut is not healing.
Cut
toenails carefully straight across and never cut into
the corners to avoid ingrowing toe nails; use an emery
board or file on sharp corners.
NEVER
use commercial corn cures. See a Podiatrist for corns
or callous.
Podiatrists have a very important role
to play in the prevention and management of complications
of the foot in those with diabetes.
Regular foot care from a Podiatrist is
a key way to prevent problems from developing in those
who are at risk. When something does go wrong, see a
Podiatrist immediately. Waiting a "few days to
see what happens" may be the difference between
a good and poor outcome. The sooner treatment is started
the better.
For any questions about diabetes, our
treatment procedures, or what can be done to help solve
your foot problem, give
us a call.
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