Diabetes and the Foot

Definition: People with diabetes risk serious and disabling foot complications and even amputation. Recent research has shown that the risk for these complications is greatly reduced with good blood sugar levels. Podiatrist can give much help to feet in diabetes.

Diabetes may affect the feet in two ways. Firstly, the nerves which enable you to feel pain, temperature extremes and give early warning of possible trauma, are damaged. Secondly, the blood supply to the feet is diminished due to damage to the blood vessels.

Under these circumstances, even a minor foot problem of little significance to other people can be hazardous for people with diabetes. The importance of proper foot care in diabetes is widely recognised. It is recommended people with diabetes should be assessed by a podiatrist who will advise a common sense, daily care routine to reduce the risk of injuries and complications.