What is Diabetes?

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Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how the body processes blood sugar. In individuals with diabetes, the body either doesn't produce enough insulin (the hormone that regulates blood sugar) or doesn't use it effectively. This can result in symptoms such as excessive thirst, frequent urination, and fatigue. If left unmanaged, diabetes can lead to serious complications like heart disease, nerve damage, and kidney damage. The two main types of diabetes are Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 diabetes is typically diagnosed in childhood, while Type 2 is more common in adults.

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Type 1 Diabetes

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Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the body's immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells, resulting in no insulin production. This causes blood glucose levels to rise rapidly.

The exact cause of this autoimmune response is unknown, but it is not related to diet or lifestyle.

Approximately 10% of people with diabetes have Type 1.

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Type 2 Diabetes

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In Type 2 diabetes, the body either doesn't produce enough insulin or the insulin it does produce doesn't work properly, leading to elevated blood glucose levels.

Type 2 diabetes is caused by a complex interaction of genetic and environmental factors. Up to 58% of Type 2 diabetes cases can be delayed or prevented through a healthy lifestyle.

Around 90% of people with diabetes have Type 2.

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How Does Diabetes Affect Your Feet?

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• Decrease in sensation

• Poor circulation

• Increased risk of infection

• Poor healing

• Ulcerations (non-healing wounds)

• Risk of amputation

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Diabetes can damage blood vessels, especially the small vessels that supply the skin and nerves related to sensation. Poor sensation and circulation to the feet can significantly impact foot health, leading to ulcerations. Foot ulcerations are serious and can result in infection and tissue death, potentially leading to amputation. If you notice any signs of foot ulceration, blisters, redness, heat, or inflammation, you should see a podiatrist or seek urgent care immediately.

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Key Tips to Manage Your Feet and Prevent Diabetic Complications:

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• Maintain good control of your blood glucose levels.

• Check your feet daily.

• Apply an emollient, such as CCS cream, daily (but not between the toes).

• Wear suitable supportive shoes.

• Trim your nails straight across.

• Have regular foot exams with your podiatrist or diabetic nurse.

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How Can The Functional Podiatrist Help?

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The podiatry team at The Functional Podiatrist specialises in managing diabetic foot care. We offer comprehensive diabetic foot screenings. Our clinic features a pressure plate that scans your foot to identify high-risk areas. Using this information, our highly trained podiatrists can create custom orthotic devices to offload areas of peak pressure and reduce risk to vulnerable parts of your foot.

Our podiatrists can also address any acute symptoms and provide a detailed clinical care plan for diabetic foot management.

We will discuss the various treatment options and outline a treatment plan for you. Our goal is to educate patients and provide the tools needed to stay injury-free.

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If you would like to book an appointment, please click the link or call us at 02035760630

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