Diabetes is a lifelong condition that causes a person’s blood sugar level to become too high.
There are two main types of diabetes:
Type 1 Diabetes
This is when the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the cells that produce insulin. As no insulin is produced, your glucose levels increase, which can seriously damage the body’s organs. Type 1 diabetes is also known as insulin – dependent diabetes.
Type 2 Diabetes
This is where the body does not produce enough insulin, or the body’s cells do not react to insulin. This is known as insulin resistance. Type 2 diabetes is far more common than type 1 diabetes.
When a patient suffers with diabetes their feet require a little extra care and attention. Diabetes can damage the nerve endings and the blood vessels in your feet, making the sufferer less likely to notice when feet have been injured due to loss of feeling/sensation.
People with diabetes are far more likely to develop complications such as foot ulcers. Research shows that people with diabetes who take care of their feet are less likely to develop ulcers.
It is recommended you see a Foot Health Practitioner or Podiatrist twice a year for a foot health check.
Why are regular Foot Health Checks important for Diabetics?
Foot complaints are one of the leading causes of hospitalisation for people with diabetes. People who suffer with diabetes are at more risk of developing ulcers of the foot and leg due to circulatory problems.
Your doctor or diabetic nurse will advise you of the importance of maintaining regular foot health checks with your foot health practitioner which will include a vascular and neurological foot assessment.
The three main complications that are associated with a high risk diabetic patient are:
- Neuropathy which is diminished sensation
- Poor Circulation
- Risk of Infection
Despite these possible problems the diabetic foot is quite simple to care for with just a little extra care and attention.