DIABETES AND YOUR FEET 

A person with diabetes is unable to maintain (regulate) a normal level of sugar in the blood. This is because of imbalance in the secretion of insulin, the main hormone regulating blood sugar levels, either not being produced sufficiently or is not used by the body adequately. In the UK, Diabetes UK estimates that there are nearly 3 million individuals with diabetes, with numbers rising rapidly.

National Institute of Care Exellence (NICE) have issued clear guidance for all individuals living with Diabetes regarding assessment and management of feet following the publishing of NICE Clinical guideline [NG19].  The advice is that all should see a podiatrist at least once a year for a diabetic foot check (more frequently for routine chiropody) which includes a neuro vascular assessment and confirmation of your risk stratification. The risk stratification identifies your individual risk or potential of developing a diabetic foot problem.

Among the most feared complications of diabetes are nerve damage and circulation change, especially to the feet. Up to 50% of diabetic individuals have nerve damage or neuropathy and nearly a third ultimately develop significant circulation abnormalities or vascular disease.

In addition, diabetics are unable to fight infections as robustly as those without. Together, they put patients with diabetes at a higher risk for foot ulcers and infections that, when left untreated, may result in severe foot changes, resulting in amputation.However, most amputations due to diabetes are preventable.