What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic condition marked by high levels of glucose in the blood. There are 2 main types of Diabetes.
- Type 1 Diabetes is an autoimmune condition and this is where the body’s immune system attacks the insulin producing cells thereby requiring lifelong insulin to survive.
- Type 2 diabetes is diagnosed when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or the insulin does not work effectively thereby unable to manage blood glucose levels.
How diabetes can affect your feet
Some of the foot complications associated with poorly managed diabetes is nerve damage and poor circulation in the lower limbs. It can also create structural changes in the feet e.g. high arches, retracted toes and prominent ball of the foot.
Foot deformities are common sites for abnormally high pressure. Repetitive high pressure at sites of deformity can result in callosities and without regular debridement and podiatry care, these can thicken, haemorrhage and eventually ulcerate.
How we can help
Diabetes Australia recommends a review with a podiatrist every year. Diabetes can have a detrimental effect on your foot health. At Back in motion, we can help manage and prevent foot related complications associated with diabetes.
An initial assessment with a podiatrist will assess the condition of your feet and identify risk factors associated with your lifestyle and your current foot health status.
A vascular doppler assessment will assess the quality of arterial blood flow in your feet. This allows our podiatrist to determine if you have peripheral vascular disease and assess your risk for ulceration. Further diagnostic tests will assess your sensation and circulation which will help detect whether neuropathy is present.
If you are experiencing an foot pain, give us a call or book online today for an assessment.