What’s the big deal about having Diabetes?
Having higher than normal blood glucose (sugar) levels can cause your blood vessels to contract, narrowing the space for blood to pass through. When this happens, it makes your heart work harder to push the blood through the vessels, causing higher blood pressure and placing more stress and damage to your heart. When blood vessels contract, it makes it difficult for your organs, nerves, muscles and skin to get the blood flow they require to function correctly.

Signs and Symptoms
Have you ever felt tingling, burning, heightened sensitivity, numbness or other strange sensations in your feet or legs? Ever had a cut or scratch that took longer than usual to heal? Have you noticed any changes in your foot structure? Did you know that diabetes makes a person more prone to infection, gangrene and amputation (usually in the lower limbs)?

What can you do about it?

Step 1: Your Doctor
Limit the damage of diabetes by seeing your doctor to make sure your blood glucose levels (BGL’s) are well controlled. A dietitian may also be helpful.

Step 2: Podiatry
Contact our team for assessment, education and assisted management of your condition. As your feet are the furthest body part away from your heart, early signs and symptoms are often present here. This is why regular podiatry visits are so important for you. It is important you become educated on how diabetes affects your feet, and understand how to avoid the risks of further complications. We will also provide feedback to your doctor regarding your current lower limb condition.

Step 3: Your role
  • Self monitor your Blood Glucose Level (BGLs) regularly,
  • Eat a balanced and nutritious diet
  • Maintain a regular exercise routine and inspect your feet daily for any issues.

Following this type of supported health care may help keep you on your feet, prolong quality of life and promote the best possible outcomes.

Important lower limb assessments we perform for diabetics:
  • Blood flow (vascular assessment)
  • Nerves (neurological assessment)
  • Joint range of motion and foot structure assessment
  • Skin condition and footwear assessments.