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The Diabetic Foot

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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