Geelong podiatrists discuss diabetes and feet Your feet are at risk because diabetes can cause damage to the nerves in your feet, blood circulation and infection. Having diabetes can increase your risk of foot ulcers and amputations. This damage...
Geelong podiatrists discuss diabetes and feet
Your feet are at risk because diabetes can cause damage to the nerves in your feet, blood circulation and infection. Having diabetes can increase your risk of foot ulcers and amputations. This damage is more likely if:
You have had diabetes for a long time Your blood glucose levels have been too high for an extended period You smoke – smoking causes a reduced blood flow to your feet, wounds heal slowly You are inactive.There are more than 4,400 amputations every year in Australia as a result of diabetes. This is the second highest rate in the developed world.
In 2005, more than 1000 people with diabetes died as a direct result of foot ulcers and lower limb wounds – around 8% of all diabetes related deaths.
Every year there are 10,000 hospital admissions in Australia for diabetes-related foot ulcers in Australia – many of these end with people having a limb, or part of a limb, amputated.
Looking after your feet
When you have diabetes you need to take care of your feet and visit a podiatrist annually. Attend appointments more often if your feet are at risk or you have difficulty self-managing your foot care. A podiatrist can perform an ease and painless assessment of your feet to determine whether your feet have a low or high risk of developing more serious problems.
Check your feet daily for any changes or problems. Daily checks can prevent serious complications.
Please call or contact us at podiatry@belmont and our Geelong podiatrists will provide a complete assessment, advice and treatment plan.
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