Diabetes & Footcare
Diabetes & Footcare
Diabetes is a systemic metabolic disorder. This disorder impairs the body’s ability to absorb glucose from the blood stream and provide it to the tissue cells that require it for normal activity and health. Elevated blood glucose levels that remain in the bloodstream affect all body organs and systems, including the circulatory system and the peripheral nerves of the lower limb.
In simple terms, this accelerates the natural ageing process of the lower limb circulation reduction (peripheral vascular disease PVD), and the loss of normal protective sensation to the foot and leg (peripheral neuropathy). This results in an inability to fight infection via an impaired immune system. This process does not affect everybody the same way or with the same severity. Research has shown that strict adherence to medical treatment and regular exercise helps to stabilise blood glucose levels and is therefore the best way to avoid these complications.
The Treatment
We recommend regular reviews by a qualified podiatrist in order to quantify your foot health status, and the level of risk and precaution you should take. As specialists in this field, Podiatrists are able to use diagnostic tests so as to assess your sensation and circulation and place that within the bigger picture of your overall health.
Furthermore a Podiatrist will provide necessary treatment at the time of the consultation. This treatment involves skin and nail care for corns, calluses or ingrown toenails or ulcer debridement in more advanced cases. Information about your foot health can then be forwarded onto your General Practitioner or specialist Endocrinologist, from which further treatment can be recommended if necessary.
Stay in touch with us
For any and all medical related questions and concerns please reach out to us. We are here for you.