How does Diabetes affect the Foot?

About 1.7 million people in Australia have Diabetes, with another 500,000 estimated to be currently undiagnosed. It is the fastest growing chronic condition in Australia.

Understanding Diabetes is important.

From a Podiatry perspective, Diabetes can have significant impacts on the foot and lower limb, and feet can be the first place to show Diabetes related symptoms.

Blood sugar levels fluctuate as a result of Diabetes, and if they are not tightly controlled, effects can be seen within the body.

The nerves that give us sensation and feeling in our feet can be affected, and in some cases the feeling can be reduced or lost completely. This often happens in our feet first.
Loss of sensation affects our ability to protect our feet. If you are unable to feel your feet, you are unable to protect them from damage and consequently foot wounds or ulcers can develop.

Diabetes can also affect circulation to the feet. The vessels that supply blood to our extremities can become narrower or blocked, leading to a reduction in blood flow to the feet.
We require good blood flow to maintain our skin and nails, supply muscles used for movement, fight infection, and heal damage or wounds.
Therefore, if blood flow is reduced, foot health is decreased and wounds may be slow to heal.

The above complications of Diabetes can put individuals at high risk of foot ulceration which in severe cases can lead to amputation.

It is important to pay attention to any changes in your feet if you have Diabetes.

Here are some common symptoms to look out for:

  • Cold feet or changes in foot colour

  • Numbness

  • Pins and needles, or any strange sensations – some people report feeling as though ants are crawling on their skin

  • Pain in your leg with walking, that doesn’t subside until you sit down

  • Nail changes, corns or callous

If you have Diabetes it is important to see a Podiatrist regularly for a Diabetes Foot Health Assessment. The Podiatrist will check your circulation, nerve function, and the general health of your feet.

 

If you would like to book an appointment for yourself or a loved one, click here for online bookings or give us a call on 8370 2356.

Daniel WalshDiabetes, Diabetes Foot Assessment, Diabetic Foot Assessment, Foot Health, Type 2 Diabetes, Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 Diabetes, Diabetic Ulceration, Foot Amputation, Leg Amputation, Diabetic Foot Ulcer, Ulceration, Foot Wounds, Peripheral Vascular Disease, Peripheral Arterial Disease, Peripheral Neuropathy, Circulation, Podiatry Assessment, Podiatrist, Podiatry, Foot Care